Research on families and pediatric human immunodeficiency virus disease: a review and needed directions.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease in children has important and longlasting effects on families. Although aspects of other childhood illnesses can be applied to the study of pediatric HIV disease, the total constellation of symptoms and effects makes HIV disease unique. Further, the majority of families affected by HIV disease are minority and disadvantaged. There is little in the research literature about normal family functioning under these conditions. Many older studies of childhood illness were based on negative assumptions and did not address concepts such as resiliency. Family theories, approaches, and common themes are briefly discussed. The few studies addressing families and pediatric HIV disease are reviewed and recommendations are made for future research directions.