ABSTRACT
In a 1991 survey of pediatric centres across Canada, the cumulative number of children identified with confirmed or suspected HIV infection through vertical transmission of the virus from their mothers was 160. A follow-up study completed in 1992 confirmed a rising case load of HIV-exposed infants born to infected mothers with 28% of the cumulative cases identified in the last year of the surveys. Using content analysis with open-ended, parent-generated issues and concerns author identified four major parental themes: isolation, secrecy and disclosure; coming to terms with the family infection; preparing for the family's future; and couple tension and sexual relationships. Single mothers were much less likely to talk about planning for the future which may be related to the lack of a co-parenting partner; parents in a couple relationship said they especially relied on a partner for guidance and support.
