ABSTRACT
Objectives: To compare development/cognition, adaptive function and maladaptive behaviorof HIV-infected and HIV-exposed uninfected children between 2 to 9 years with HIV-uninfected controls. Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conductedfrom November, 2013 to March, 2015. 50 seropositive HIV-infected, 25 HIV-exposeduninfected and 25 HIV-uninfected children between 2 to 9 years were administeredDevelopmental Profile 3, Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale 2, and Child Behavior Checklistfor assessing development, adaptive function and maladaptive behaviour, respectively.Additional data were obtained by history, examination and review of records. Results:Significant developmental/cognitive impairment was observed in 38 (76%), 16 (64%) and 6(24%) HIV-infected, HIV-exposed uninfected, and HIV-uninfected children, respectively.Significant impairment in adaptive function was found in 12 (24%) and 2 (8%) HIV-infectedand HIV-exposed uninfected children, respectively. Maladaptive behavior was not seen in anygroup. Conclusions: High magnitude of impaired development/cognition and adaptivefunction in HIV-exposed and HIV-infected children warrants assessment of these domainsduring follow-up of these children, and incorporation of interventions for these deficits instandard care for this group.