Disclosure of maternal HIV infection to children among Chinese women with HIV: The application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour and the role of various norms

Abstract

Maternal HIV disclosure to children has numerous benefits for both mothers and children. However, the prevalence of maternal HIV disclosure to children remains low in many countries. The present study examined factors associated with intention to disclose maternal HIV status to children among Chinese HIV+ women who have not disclosed their HIV status to their child. Factors from the Theory of Planned Behavior and various norms (injunctive, descriptive and moral norm) were examined. Findings from 179 HIV+ women revealed that only 16.8% intended to disclose their HIV status to their child in the future. Adjusted for significant background variables, all factors from the TPB and various norms (i.e. attitude, injunctive norm, descriptive norm, moral norm, perceived behavioural control) were associated with intention to disclose HIV status (adjusted odds ratios ranged from 3.22, 15.85). Stepwise logistic regression showed that attitude (ORm = 6.96) and injunctive norm (ORm = 6.81) were associated with intention to disclose HIV status. Interventions to promote maternal HIV disclosure were warranted to promote attitude, perceived behavioural control, and various norms associated with HIV disclosure.