Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has had a devastating impact on the children of Africa. In Uganda, over 100,000 children are infected, mostly through vertical transmission of the disease from their mother. With recent improvements in medical treatment, children are now surviving longer and reaching school age, but there is limited research examining the quality of life of these children. The current study investigated the psychosocial adjustment and school achievement of 60 Ugandan children with vertically transmitted HIV. Specific attention was given to the caregiving context and illness parameters surrounding this at-risk group of children. Results showed that being cared for by a grandmother may be a protective factor related to fewer externalizing behaviors. Cognitive functioning may also be protective, with higher scores associated with increased school performance. These findings are a first step toward understanding the protective factors associated with psychosocial adjustment and better school performance. Furthermore, these findings can serve as a basis for developing interventions that promote a better quality of life in children afflicted with HIV/AIDS in Uganda.
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