Disclosure of an HIV diagnosis to children: history, current research, and future directions.
Disclosing the diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or AIDS to a child is a controversial and emotionally charged issue among both the health care communities and parents and caregivers of these children. This paper provides a systematic review of research on disclosure of pediatric HIV infection. It begins with a brief discussion of disclosure drawing from research on pediatric cancer. Next, we review the available research including patterns of disclosure, factors associated with disclosure and nondisclosure, and the effect of disclosure on psychological health and adherence. A review of published intervention studies is also included. While no consensus on when the diagnosis of HIV should be disclosed to a child or the psychological outcomes associated with disclosure was found, clinical consensus on several issues related to working with families was identified. We apply this literature to clinical practice and suggest avenues and directions for future research.
Wiener
Lori
L
Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. wienerl@mail.nih.gov
Mellins
Claude Ann
CA
Marhefka
Stephanie
S
Battles
Haven B
HB
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D005196:Family Therapy; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology; D012803:Sick Role; D012944:Social Support; D014342:Truth Disclosure
D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents