Disclosure of the HIV infection status in children.
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Date
2009-08
Journal Title
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Abstract
To determine the perception of caregivers about the disclosure of the diagnosis of HIV infection in children.
Methods. Caregivers of fifty HIV-infected children were enrolled in the study after taking written informed consent. They were
interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire included information on the demographic details,
questions about the disclosure status of HIV infection in children and perceptions about the disclosure of status to child.
Results. Only 7 out of the 50 children (14%) were aware of their HIV status while 43/50 (86%) were unaware; as reported by
their guardians/ parents. Only 6 percent children (3/50) were given factual information about the disease while 68% (34/50)
were given no information. Majority of caregivers felt mid-teenage as the appropriate age for disclosing the HIV infection
status and that the parents were the appropriate persons to reveal the infection status (21/50, 42%).
Conclusion. There is need to develop and implement guidelines for disclosure of HIV infection status to HIV-infected
children in resource limited settings.
Description
Keywords
HIV, Children, Disclosure
Citation
Arun Sasi, Singh Ajay K, Lodha Rakesh, Kabra S K. Disclosure of the HIV infection status in children. Indian Journal of Pediatrics. 2009 Aug; 76(8): 805-808.