Using decision tree analysis to understand the influence of social networks on disclosure of HIV infection status

ABSTRACT

Disclosure of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection status improves treatment adherence and HIV prevention. Social networks influence such disclosure by people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH). This study aimed to investigate the disclosure status of Korean PLWH and determine the social network characteristics associated with disclosure. A cross-sectional study design was used, and 148 Korean PLWH answered self-report questionnaires that included items on the characteristics of social networks and disclosure. Logistic regression and decision tree analysis were performed. In total, 81 participants (54.7%) reported disclosing HIV status to the most important supporter. Five factors were found to influence disclosure: age, self-help group participation, living arrangement, social network relationship, and tie strength; three groups had higher percentages of nondisclosure. The findings suggest that healthcare practitioners should provide adequate counseling by considering the characteristics of social networks and disclosure status of PLWH. Researchers should identify high-risk populations using decision tree analysis.

KEYWORDS:

• HIV
• disclosure
• social network
• social support

Acknowledgements

We thank all the PLWH who participated in our study and the nurses and physicians who cooperated with the research. This study was performed in line with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The authors express our gratitude to Dr. Chang Gi Park, who gave professional advice on research methodology. The previous study from which data were used had obtained approval from the institutional review board of the institution to which the researcher belonged (IRB No: 2015-0040), and additional approval was obtained for the secondary analysis (IRB No: Y-2017-0088). Informed consent was obtained from all participants included in the study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea [grant numbers NRF-2015R1D1A1A01057423, 2020R1A2C101081712] and a research program from the Yonsei University College of Nursing [grant number 6-2017-0125].