Mothers Disclosure of Maternal HIV Status to Children

Abstract

The present study examines the relationship between maternal disclosure of HIV status to children and key psychosocial variables. The article identifies three key psychosocial characteristics that may play a role in maternal HIV status disclosure to children: HIV-related perceptions of stigma, HIV-related stigma management, and social support. Eighty-eight (88) HIV women with children enrolled in outpatient care at an urban medical center completed the HIV-Related Perceptions of Stigma and HIV-Related Stigma Management measures, the Profile of Mood States (POMS), and items measuring social support and disclosure to children. Mothers who disclosed their HIV status to their children reported significantly fewer perceptions of HIV-related stigma, less use of concealment to manage HIV-related stigma, and more social support than mothers who did not disclose to their children. No differences were found between disclosure groups for physical or psychological distress. The perception of stigma attached to a mother's HIV positive status and strategies for managing this stigma emerged as the principal findings of the present study. These findings provide empirical support for identifying stigma and its management as a central focus for professionals working in the field of HIV and families. Additional empirical research is needed to fully understand the factors that influencematernal HIV Status disclosure to children.