title: Disclosure decisions: HIV-positive persons coping with disease-related stressors.
abstract: The purpose of this grounded theory study was to investigate how Danish HIV-positive persons live with their disease, focusing on HIV-related stressors. Using the Glaserian method, we analyzed textual data from in-depth interviews with 16 HIV-positive persons. Decisions about disclosure appeared to be a major concern and a determining factor for HIV-related stress. Consequently, we developed a substantive theory about disclosure decisions in which three different strategies could be identified: (a) disclosing to everyone (being open); (b) restricting disclosure (being partly open); and (c) disclosing to no one (being closed). Disclosure was a continuum; none of the three strategies automatically relieved HIV-related stress. The theory describes the main determinants and consequences of each strategy. Our study demonstrates the importance of recurrent individual considerations about disclosure choices and plans, and offers a theoretical basis for interventions designed to assist persons living with HIV to make the best possible individual decisions regarding disclosure, and thereby reduce HIV-related stress.
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark. lottrodk@rm.dk
authors.forename: Lotte
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rodkjaer
authors.forename: Morten
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sodemann
authors.forename: Lars
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ostergaard
authors.forename: Kirsten
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lomborg
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003718:Denmark / Q000453:epidemiology; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011287:Prejudice; D011582:Psychological Theory; D011594:Psychometrics; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012307:Risk Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013637:Tape Recording; D014342:Truth Disclosure; D055815:Young Adult