Factors that influence HIV status disclosure among the elderly

Perspectives from Shurugwi, Zimbabwe

Datos Bibliográficos

ID19442002
AutoresJulia Mutambara (0000-0002-3556-7053, Midlands State University, autor de correspondencia), Shelter Vandirayi (Midlands State University), James January (0000-0001-8074-9940, University of Zimbabwe), Herbert Zirima (0000-0002-4645-3879, Great Zimbabwe University)
Año2022
Volumen34
Número1
Páginas112-117
Fecha de publicación2022-01-02
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessNo
TipoARTICLE
RevistaAIDS Care (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0954-0121 • E-ISSN: 1360-0451
EditorialInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/09540121.2021.1930997
PMID34039191
OpenAlexW3164598495
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas1
Referencias citadas16

Due to the widespread availability of antiretroviral medications, many people with HIV are living longer. Being an HIV-positive elderly, however, brings in complications as far as disclosure of status is concerned. This phenomenological study was carried out to explore factors that influence disclosure among the elderly. Sample data was obtained from 14 participants aged at least 50 years who attended a certain District Hospital for ART. Using the convenience sampling technique, the researchers were able to select those patients who were easily accessible until sample size was reached. The researchers used interpretive thematic analysis that allowed coding of findings. The main findings from the research indicated that stigma, loss of family support, partner's reaction and cultural norms were the main reasons that hindered the elderly to freely disclose their HIV-positive serostatus as it cuts across all their social interactions. In order to reduce the negative consequences of nondisclosure, the elderly, their significant others and the general public need to be educated about the importance of disclosure among the elderly and support groups for the elderly need to be availed

Family medicine · Psychiatry · Qualitative research · Serostatus · Social support · Sociology · Thematic analysis · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Clinical Psychology · HIV/AIDS Impact and Responses · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · Medicine · Psychology · Social Psychology · Gerontology