Dealing with disclosure: Perspectives from HIVpositive children and their older carers living in rural south-western Uganda
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Date
2016
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African journal of AIDS research
Abstract
There are limited data on the challenges faced by carers, in particular older carers, in managing the difficult
task of status disclosure for HIV-positive children. We report findings from qualitative interviews with 18 care
dyads of older people and HIV-positive children living in rural south-western Uganda. Our data provide insights
into perceptions and norms influencing communication during and following disclosure among both carers and
children, including those shaped by gendered expectations of girls’ and boys’ sexual behaviour. Young participants
reported several advantages of knowing their status and showed considerable resilience in the face of HIV
disclosure. Better and more support is needed to help health workers and carers (particularly older carers) manage
cross-generational communication around HIV disclosure and other related aspects of sexual and reproductive
health as critical aspects of children’s psychosocial development and well-being.
Description
Keywords
HIV disclosure, HIV-positive children, older carers, psychosocial well-being
Citation
Dusabe-Richards, E., Rutakumwa, R., Zalwango, F., Asiimwe, A., Kintu, E., Ssembajja, F., & Seeley, J. (2016). Dealing with disclosure: Perspectives from HIV-positive children and their older carers living in rural south-western Uganda. African journal of AIDS research, 15(4), 387-395.doi.10.2989/16085906.2016.1256330