Psychosocial consequences of early diagnosis of HIV status in vertically exposed infants in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) is the most common source of HIV infection in children. One topic that has received virtually no attention in MTCT-related research and programming is the psychosocial consequences among parents and families of receiving a definitive diagnosis of infant HIV status. This study explored experiences of HIV-infected mothers in Johannesburg, South Africa, regarding infant testing and diagnosis. Data collection entailed a key informant workshop and repeat interviews with a convenience sample of 31 HIV-infected mothers. While early testing was desirable, diagnosis had both beneficial and detrimental psychosocial effects, especially in instances of serodiscordance. Programmatic implications are discussed.
Varga
C A
CA
Population and Reproductive Health Area, The MacArthur Foundation, Chicago, Illinois, USA. varga.christine@hotmail.com.
Sherman
G G
GG
Maphosa
J
J
Jones
S A
SA
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D007224:Infant Care / Q000379:methods; D007229:Infant Welfare; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008429:Maternal Welfare; D009035:Mothers / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology / Q000821:virology*; D012944:Social Support; D013019:South Africa; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires