Facing the truth The challenges of HIV disclosure among children with perinatal HIV in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to explore the process of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disclosure to children living with perinatal HIV at Mpilo Opportunistic Clinic (OI) in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province. The qualitative approach was used to study the topic and a phenomenological research design was used to describe the process of disclosure to children living with perinatal HIV. Data were collected through in-depth interviews. The data collected revealed that the HIV status disclosure to adolescents was difficult for caregivers, which caused the disclosure to be done later than recommended by the Ministry of Health and Child Care Zimbabwe. This had a significant negative impact on the psychological well-being of children who also struggled to disclose their status to others. The study revealed that the HIV counsellors lacked skills to counsel on psychological issues. The researcher recommended that psychologist be integrated in the formulation of an HIV manual and be employed at OI clinics to counsel children and caregivers.

Keywords: Perinatal HIV, children, psychosocial, OI clinic.