Qualitative research on the experience of HIV-disclosure to HIV-infected adolescents in Ivory Coast

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This qualitative study explores the experience of HIV-disclosure among adolescents living with HIV acquired during the perinatal period, followed in pediatric HIV care structures in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Thirty adolescents and young adults living with HIV, ages 13 to 21, participated in a semi-structured interview about the conditions and consequences of the disclosure and asked for recommendations they would give. The interviews were analyzed using a thematic analysis procedure. We identified three types of illness and coping trajectories related to the HIV-disclosure : the trajectory of acceptance without prior crisis, the trajectory including a crisis before the HIV-disclosure, and the trajectory of crisis occurring after the disclosure. All three trajectories are impacted by the family context and the modalities of medical care. The results of the study show the importance of preparing the HIV-disclosure while including family members in an appropriate setting and confirm the importance of post-announcement follow-up. Peers appear to be an important resource for these young people, especially when they are adolescents living with HIV themselves and involved in the health care plan. This study contributes to the development of intervention strategies to improve the future of adolescents living with HIV, adapted to the local context of Ivory Coast.