Deepthivarma S, Chandra PS; International Conference on AIDS (15th : 2004 : Bangkok, Thailand).

Int Conf AIDS. 2004 Jul 11-16; 15: abstract no. ThPeD7862.

National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, India

Background: Disclosure of one's own sero status is a potentially critical decision that can lead to various consequences. Several factors like fear of discrimination, anticipated disruption of relationships and a desire to protect oneself emotionally seem to influence this decision. Methods: This study examined various aspects related to self-disclosure of their seropositive status among 68 people (35men and 33 women) infected with HIV. Data was collected through in-depth interviews to assess the process of HIV-related disclosure and the factors that influenced disclosure. The data was subjected to both qualitative and quantitative analysis. Results: Voluntary disclosure was noted in 44 subjects (65%), while in other 24 (35%) subjects disclosure occurred without consent. Of those who disclosed, 78% of the subjects reported self-disclosure to family members, 7% to friends and 15% exclusively to health professionals. The reasons for disclosure were expectations of emotional and material support from the family members. Of the total number of 33 men disclosed to their family members, 26 (79%) reported positive consequences, while 7 (21%) had negative consequences in the form of stigma and discrimination. In case of 26 women who disclosed to their family members, 15 (58%) had negative consequences especially from the in-law's family while only 11 (42%) reported positive consequences. The family of origin was found to be more supportive in case of women. Conclusion In India, where HIV-related counselling services are still not freely available, there continue to be non-uniform practices related to confidentiality and disclosure. The findings of this study are important in identifying cultural factors related to disclosure in HIV infection and highlight the need to examine the varying patterns and concerns related to disclosure among HIV-infected individuals.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• Confidentiality
• Counseling
• Disclosure
• Family
• Fear
• Female
• Friends
• HIV Infections
• HIV Seropositivity
• Humans
• India
• Male
• Self Disclosure

Other ID:

• GWAIDS0037414

UI: 102281630

From Meeting Abstracts