Disclosure of Children's Positive Serostatus to Family and Nonfamily Members: Informal Caregivers in Togo, West Africa
2011

Disclosure of Children's Positive Serostatus to Family and Nonfamily Members in Togo

Sample size: 201 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Ami R. Moore, David Williamson

Primary Institution: University of North Texas

Hypothesis

Factors affecting the reasons why caregivers disclose child's serostatus will vary.

Conclusion

Caregivers cautiously disclose children's positive serostatus due to fears of stigma and discrimination.

Supporting Evidence

  • Caregivers' serostatus significantly affected the odds of disclosure for financial and emotional support.
  • Fear of stigma and discrimination was a common reason for not disclosing a child's serostatus.
  • Education influenced the likelihood of disclosing for spiritual support.

Takeaway

Caregivers of children with HIV in Togo often don't tell others about their child's condition because they are afraid of being treated badly.

Methodology

The study used qualitative interviews and a quantitative survey to gather data from caregivers.

Potential Biases

The sample may not represent the broader population of caregivers in Togo.

Limitations

The sample is small and nonrandomized, drawn from only three HIV centers in Togo.

Participant Demographics

Caregivers were mainly female (73%) with a mean age of about 42 years and an average of 3 children.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1155/2011/595301

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