Parental views on disclosure of diagnosis to their HIV-positive children

Abstract

Parents of HIV-positive children are known to delay disclosure of diagnosis. This study examines the concerns parents attending a South London family clinic had about disclosure of diagnosis to school-aged children with HIV, to establish the stages they were at in terms of the disclosure process and to find out what plans they had regarding further disclosure. Thirteen families with vertically-infected children who did not know their HIV diagnosis were included in the study. Findings showed that parents generally partially disclose information about the illness without naming it and delay full disclosure. The most frequently given reason for delay in talking to their child about HIV was fear that the child may accidentally reveal their diagnosis, thereby simultaneously revealing maternal HIV status and exposing the family to potential stigmatization, discrimination and prejudice.