Parental Experiences of Living with HIV in Bangladesh

Objectives: Little is known about the vulnerabilities faced by human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] positive parents living with their children in Bangladesh. Methods: A qualitative research design was used to examine parental experiences of living with HIV in the Bangladeshi family context, with data collected through in-depth interviews with 19 individuals in the cities of Khulna and Dhaka. Results: Psychological distress emerged as a major theme, specifically in regard to parental concern about their childrens’ future. Economic insecurity was a primary concern, with financial difficulties a consequence of reduced income, savings and assets. Impacts were greater with parents who were poor, where both parents were HIV-positive, in families with a single parent, particularly single or widowed women, and parents living with significant HIV-related disabilities. Conclusions: There is an urgent need to both develop and implement appropriate psychological health- and wider social-care programmes for the welfare of parents living with HIV and their families in Bangladesh.