[Characterization of caregivers for children with HIV/AIDS, addressing quality of life, socio-economic stratification and oral health aspects].

Objective: This study examines perceptions, and knowledge of how to promote oral healthcare among people caring for children with HIV/AIDS.
Methods: A questionnaire was completed by people caring for children with HIV/AIDS, encompassing the quality of life (WHOQoL-bref); the socioeconomic stratification (BECC); and aspects related to oral health through the perception, care and promotion of oral health. Internal consistency was evaluated for the WHOQoL-bref domains, for the BECC questions and for the oral health questions. Cluster analysis was performed by WHOQoL-bref domain scores.
Results: The alpha-Crombach statistics showed that the internal consistency quality progressed: 0.9101, 0.8027, and 0.6355, respectively, for WHOQoL-bref domains, for the ECC questions, and for the oral health questions. The cluster analysis generated two homogenous groups. There were descriptive relations between the quality of life scores and the BECC strata and the answers given for the oral health related themes; difficulties were reported in accessing dental care.
Conclusions: The methodology and tools deployed by this survey showed consistency and coherence to the theoretical framework, contributing to the development of better healthcare for HIV+ children.