Considerations for purposeful HIV status disclosure among women living with HIV in Ghana

ABSTRACT

Although disclosure of positive HIV status has recognized benefits, enacted and perceived stigma is a continuing problem in Ghana, especially affecting women living with HIV (WLHIV). This qualitative study investigates how WLHIV make these decisions. We interviewed 40 WLHIV, analysing their transcripts using thematic content analysis. Four themes emerged from the data: selectivity in disclosure; disclosure for education, prevention and to provide support; concern for the potential confident, and safety in secrets. Women’s awareness of and concerns about HIV-related stigma led them to seriously weigh the costs and benefits of disclosure decisions. Overall, our participants disclosed only when they believed that disclosure would benefit them or the confidant. They did not condone open disclosure, and preferred non-disclosure to minimize harm to themselves and loved ones. Though disclosure occurred for HIV education and prevention purposes, personal safety was the priority. We recommend revision of current post-HIV testing and pre-treatment counselling procedures to incorporate WLHIVs’ judgements about disclosure and discussion of the perceived benefits of disclosure. Disclosure is an intricate process that involves support seeking and educating others while averting harm. Continued research of the factors related to disclosure is important to enhance understanding of the disclosure process.

KEYWORDS:

• HIV
• disclosure
• decision-making
• stigma
• women

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank our participants and Mabel Teye-Kau, Juliet Vickar and Sylvia A. for their assistance in the completion of this research.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

ORCID

Sheryl A. McCurdy http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0526-1608

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded in part by The University of Texas School of Public Health People with AIDS International Public Health Scholarship.