Self-Disclosure of HIV Seropositivity in Kenya by HIV-Positive Kamba Men and Their Families

Abstract

Previous research across Sub-Saharan Africa indicates that HIV-positive men are significantly less likely than HIV-positive women to disclose their serostatus. Understanding issues surrounding men's disclosure of their HIV status can be a step toward developing more comprehensive social support for men living with HIV/AIDS and toward enabling effective self-disclosure. This study explores patterns of disclosure of men's HIV-seropositivity among the Akamba of Kenya. Data were collected through focus groups with HIV-positive men, individual in-depth interviews with family members of men living with HIV, and key informant interviews with community leaders. We discuss findings regarding the identity of family disclosure targets, response to disclosure, negotiation of privacy boundaries, and cultural factors encouraging and discouraging disclosure by HIV-positive Kamba men.

Acknowledgments

This article is based on the master's thesis of the first author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kyalo wa Ngula

Kyalo wa Ngula, Department of Communication, Daystar University; Kyalo wa Ngula is now at the Communication Department, Africa Nazarene University.

Ann Neville Miller

Ann Neville Miller, Nicholson School of Communication, University of Central Florida.