Parental concerns about disclosure of a child's HIV/AIDS status in Singapore

Soc Work Health Care. 2012;51(1):5-21. doi: 10.1080/00981389.2011.622624.

Abstract

A qualitative study was conducted to examine parental concerns over the issue of disclosure with those whose children were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven parents and the main issues that arose from the interviews were (a) parents' explanation of their children's medical condition; (b) factors that influence disclosure; (c) factors that hinder disclosure; and (d) parents' perception on the appropriate time for disclosure. Parents viewed disclosure as a single event, as opposed to an ongoing process where varying levels of information on the illness was to be provided in accordance to the children's individual cognitive and emotional development.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • HIV Seropositivity*
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Parents / psychology*
  • Singapore
  • Truth Disclosure*