Attitudes of Thai caregivers of children with HIV infection towards HIV disclosure

Abstract We sought to understand the attitude of caregivers of Thai children with HIV towards HIV disclosure by having 49 caregivers complete a disclosure questionnaire. Their children's median age was 6.9 years, with 55% being male. The children were all on antiretrovirals and had a median CD4 of 20%. None of the caregivers had disclosed to their child, and 37% did not intend to. The main reason for not disclosing was fear of causing the child psychological harm. Only 17% intended to tell the truth if asked by the child. Our caregivers are unprepared, have limited understanding about disclosure and are willing to lie to the child. There is a need to support Thai children and caregivers in disclosing HIV diagnosis.

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