Lawless S, Crawford J, Kippax S; Australasian Society for HIV Medicine. Conference.

Annu Conf Australas Soc HIV Med. 1995 Nov 16-19; 7: 34 (abstract no. 12).

National Centre in HIV Social Research, Macquarie University, NSW.

OBJECTIVES: This paper aims to provide an understanding (a) of the factors which influence decisions made by HIV positive women regarding disclosure of their HIV serostatus to health care professionals and (b) of the consequences of such decisions. METHODOLOGY: In-depth interviews were carried out with a heterogeneous group of thirty women living with HIV/AIDS. Transcripts of interviews were analysed using a grounded theory approach. RESULTS: Factors influencing decisions to disclose included: (a) the context of original HIV diagnosis and how it was received; (b) responses of service providers in health care settings; and (c) length of time since diagnosis. Decisions about disclosure were found to affect access to services and quality of life. CONCLUSION: Early experiences surrounding diagnosis and early sequelae of disclosure appear to have a direct and ongoing impact on how, if and to whom, the women will consequently reveal their HIV status. This has consequences for the nature and quality of health care, support, and information the women receive. The findings have implications regarding the need for appropriate training and professional support for health care professionals.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• Decision Making
• Disclosure
• Female
• HIV Infections
• HIV Seropositivity
• Health Services Needs and Demand
• Humans
• Self Disclosure
• Truth Disclosure

Other ID:

• 96343435

UI: 102215254

From Meeting Abstracts