Disclosing the diagnosis of pediatric HIV infection: mothers' views.
OBJECTIVE
The stigma of HIV infection creates barriers to disclosure. The purpose of this study was to identify to whom biological and foster mothers disclose the diagnosis of HIV infection, discuss their rationale, and describe the recipient's reactions.


METHODS
A descriptive, qualitative study included biological (n = 9) and foster (n = 11) mothers of children with HIV infection.


RESULTS
Three themes emerged from the data: Telling for support, determining who should know, and telling children. These themes were present for both biological and foster mothers.


CONCLUSIONS
It is important for nurses to realize that parental disclosure of the diagnosis of HIV infection is a long-term, age-appropriate process that will take place over many discussions and time, and should have the support of the interdisciplinary team. Additional psychological support also should be available.
Nehring
W M
WM
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, USA. wnehrin@siue.edu or flashle@siue.edu
Lashley
F R
FR
Malm
K
K
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D005581:Foster Home Care / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000523:psychology; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D015146:Midwestern United States; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014342:Truth Disclosure