SOCIOECONOMIC CHALLENGES AND HIV TREATMENT AMONG CHILDREN AT BWAILA–LIGHTHOUSE CLINIC, LILONGWE, MALAWI

Author

Dr. T Velmurugan,Chifundo Chibweya


Abstract

 Background: The socioeconomic conditions of households can shape children’s continuity of HIV care, nutrition, transport to facilities and caregivers’ capacity to manage treatment. Objective: This article examines socioeconomic challenges affecting households of children receiving HIV treatment at Bwaila–Lighthouse Clinic, Lilongwe, Malawi. Methods: The source study used a quantitative descriptive design and semi-structured questionnaires with 44 respondents; frequencies and percentages were reported. Results: Of the 44 respondents, 27 (61.4%) had primary education, 25 (56.8%) were self-employed and 17 (38.6%) were unemployed. Nineteen households (43.2%, calculated from the reported frequency) had monthly income of MWK 50,000–100,000 and 12 (27.3%) earned below MWK 50,000. Small business was the primary income source for 38 (86.4%). All 44 respondents reported easy access to healthcare, although economic vulnerability remained evident. Conclusion: The descriptive results indicate limited household economic resources alongside reported geographical or service access. They do not independently establish causal effects on medication adherence or nutritional outcomes. Integrated social protection, nutrition screening and caregiver support are recommended, alongside further research directly measuring child-level adherence.



Keywords

children living with HIV; socioeconomic status; antiretroviral therapy; caregivers; household income; Malawi; social determinants of health



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