The role of stigma in reasons for HIV disclosure and non-disclosure to children

Abstract

This study examined how stigma may impact HIV-positive women's disclosure to their children. Participants included HIV-infected women recruited from AIDS service organizations located in large midwestern cities. Using a questionnaire and guided interview, quantitative data were obtained regarding perceived HIV-related stigma and rates of maternal disclosure to children aged 5–18. According to the Kruskal-Wallis test, comparison between the disclosure groups showed non-significant differences in the total score of HIV stigma (χ ² =0.518 with df = 2, p=0.77).

Acknowledgments

This work was funded by a grant awarded to Julianne M. Serovich from the National Institutes of Mental Health (R01MH62293).