Factors associated with children’s HIV- positive status disclosure in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Walle, Belete Gelaw; Tiruneh, Chalie Marew; Dessie, Tigabu; Selomon, Nigusie; Kassaw, Amare; Chekole, Bogale; Wubneh, Moges; Lankrew, Tadele; Bayih, Wubet Alebachew

doi:10.1186/s13052-022-01287-6

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

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“…A study from Southern Ethiopia showed that disclosure of children's HIV status is essential to chronic care and longterm disease management. This is observed through good ART adherence levels, improved awareness of living with HIV, and decreased worries and confusion (17). A study from South Africa showed that children knowing their status helped them to take their medications consistently(18)…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“We Can Tell Them, But Not Right Now!” - Hiv Status Disclosure and Related Factors Among Children Aged 6-14 Years Living with Hiv in Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania

Msoka

Mtesha

Masika

et al. 2023

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Background: In Tanzania, disclosure of HIV status to children remains a challenge despite the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation that children should be informed about their HIV status between the ages of 6 to 12 years. This study aims to determine HIV status disclosure and related factors among children living with HIV in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. Method: A cross-sectional study using a convergent parallel mixed-methods design was conducted from September 2021 to February 2022 among children aged 6-14 years receiving HIV care. Semi-structured questionnaires were collected from caregivers of undisclosed children, including socio-demographic data and reasons for non-disclosure. Additionally, we interviewed 20 caregivers of children in-depth who had disclosed and not disclosed the status to their children; we also interviewed children whose HIV status had been disclosed, followed by a focus group discussion. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified factors associated with HIV status disclosure. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. We did thematic content analysis for qualitative data. Results: 121 children and their parents or caregivers were included in the analysis and 51(42%) knew about their HIV status. 31%(n=38) of children were between the ages 6-8 and among them, 33(87%) did not know about their status. Thirty-nine percent (n=47) of children were between the ages of 9-11; 32(68%) did not know about their status. 30% (n=36) of the children were above 12 years old, and 5(14%) did not know their status. 60 children were girls (49.5%); the majority (n=75;62%) lived with their biological parents; 112 children had primary education (93%); and 94 (78%) children attended referral hospitals for ART services. Moreover, 86(71%) of the children had caregivers who had been interviewed. In the final multivariate model, children aged above 12 years (OR= 30; 95%; Cl= 7.2-124); children aged 9-11(OR=2.7;95%; CI= 0.8-9.0) and having a treatment supporter (OR=2.9; 95%CI=1.0-8.2) were significantly associated with HIV status disclosure to their children compared to their counterparts respectively. Through IDI, we revealed the following themes: (1) HIV disclosure challenges and reasons not to disclose the status, (2) the process of the disclosure, and (3) the Importance of disclosure. Conclusion: HIV status disclosure to children living with HIV in Kilimanjaro region was associated with age above 12 years and having a treatment supporter, unlike the WHO recommendation. Therefore, health facilities should introduce new strategies to ensure children know their HIV status.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%