Disclosing Hiv Positive Status To Children: Challenges and Experiences of Parents and Guardians of HI V Positive Children Iemila Abdellah
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Date
2009-08
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Thi s s tudy is a qualitative multiple case study that explored challenges and experience s
in disclosing HIV positive status to children living with the virus. The study was
conducted on fourteen parents and guardians who have regular follow up in Zewditu
Memorial Hospital at pediatric ART unit. The data was gathered through in-depth
interview. The interview guide was developed by adopting the already existing
instruments and information prepared by leAP (2003) frameworks on pediatric HIV
disclosure, based on the objective and conceptual frame work of the study. The
participants were identified through purposive and convenient sampling technique. To
avoid unintentional disclosure of HIV status to the child or third p erson, interview was
undertaken in isolated room. The data was analyzed thematically. The finding of the
study shows that most of the children (9 out of 15) did not know th eir HIV positive status.
The study raveled that challenges of parents and guardians from disclosing are low
maturity level, and age of the child, fear of parents and guardians that the child will
frustrate from living and learning, HIV related stigma and discrimination of the children
as well as the family, andfeeling of guiltiness in parents. Further more the study
identifies various experience and palters of disclosure. Finally, the study has also drawn
implications to social work knowledge , practices and proposedfurther research areas
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Disclosing Hiv Positive Status to Children