Assessing Medical Neglect in HIV-Exposed or Infected Children

Ellen R Conroy; Barbara L Knox; Sheryl L Henderson

doi:10.1007/s40653-019-00274-0

Assessing Medical Neglect in HIV-Exposed or Infected Children

J Child Adolesc Trauma. 2019 Jul 23;13(3):317-325. doi: 10.1007/s40653-019-00274-0. eCollection 2020 Sep.

Authors

Ellen R Conroy^{1

2}, Barbara L Knox³, Sheryl L Henderson³

Affiliations

¹ Medical School of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI USA.
² Present Address: Pediatric Residency Program, Cohen Children's Medical Center of New York, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, NY USA.
³ Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53792-4108 USA.

Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) causes a chronic illness requiring lifelong medical care to prevent opportunistic infections and death. It is important to identify medical neglect in children that are perinatally exposed to or living with human immunodeficiency virus and to take steps to prevent it. Diagnosis of medical neglect must be considered in the context of the caregivers' understanding of the risks of harm, and the logistical, cultural and social factors that may influence their actions or non-actions. When medical neglect as failure of treatment or prevention of infection is suspected, medical providers should work collaboratively with caregivers to assess and address barriers to adherence and to provide resources and support. Medical neglect may be diagnosed if repeated preventive efforts fail.

Keywords: Breastfeeding; HIV; HIV Prevention; HIV transmission; HIV treatment; Medical neglect; Medication noncompliance; Pediatric HIV.

Publication types

Case Reports