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. 2008 Aug;20(7):876-80.
doi: 10.1080/09540120701767158.

Reasons for and against maternal HIV disclosure to children and perceived child reaction

R Ostrom Delaney  1 , J M Serovich, J-Y Lim
Affiliations

Reasons for and against maternal HIV disclosure to children and perceived child reaction

R Ostrom Delaney et al. AIDS Care. 2008 Aug.

Abstract

This study explores the decision making of 66 HIV-positive women regarding disclosing their serostatus to their children and the child's perceived immediate and long-term reactions. Data came from a larger investigation of the disclosure process of HIV-infected women. Children included 27 boys and 39 girls between the ages 5 and 18 years. Forty-one children knew of their mother's diagnosis and 32 were disclosed to by their mother. Results suggest that women are interested in taking a leading role in disclosing to their children and make the decision based on the child's ability to handle the information and not be psychologically harmed.

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