Mukhtar-Yola, M., Kuczawski, M. orcid.org/0000-0002-0774-8113 and Oniyangi, O.O. (2020) Should children know their HIV status? Prevalence, caregiver's perspectives and barriers to disclosure at the National Hospital Abuja, Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice, 23 (10). pp. 1419-1425. ISSN 1119-3077
Abstract
Background: Nigeria ranks second globally with a HIV/AIDS prevalence of 3.2%. HIV infected children are surviving to adolescence because of anti-retroviral therapy, but many do not know why they need to take these medicines. Disclosure is critical to long-term disease management, yet, if, how and when caregivers and or health professionals disclose to children is not well known in resource-limited settings. The barriers to disclosure remain largely undocumented.
Objectives: To determine the prevalence and age of HIV disclosure to children in Abuja, Nigeria and identify caregivers perspectives as well as barriers to disclosure.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was done June-July 2016 using a structured questionnaire, convenience sampling and quantitative methods at the infectious disease clinics of National Hospital Abuja. A sample of 164 caregivers of HIV-positive children aged 5-16 years receiving antiretroviral therapy for at least 1 year were enrolled.
Results: Prevalence of full disclosure was 24.5%, partial disclosure 22.7%, with overall prevalence of 47.2%. Mean age at full disclosure was 11.87 years. Bivariate analysis showed significant difference between disclosure and child's level of education (χ2 for trend 26.710, P < 0.001), support for disclosure (χ2 4.399, P = 0.036) and if caregiver held the opinion that children should have disclosure done (Pearson's χ2 30.174, P < 0.001). However, on logistic regression, only the age of the child (P < 0.001, 95% CI 1.176-1.499) and the caregiver's opinion (P = < 0.001, 95% CI 4.914-2.542) remained significant. Various barriers to disclosure were identified.
Conclusion: The prevalence of full disclosure is low and several barriers prevent early disclosure. Caregiver's and HCWs need empowerment with culturally appropriate skills and platforms to increase disclosure rates, which may help improve adherence.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2020 Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice. |
Keywords: | Barriers; HIV; children; disclosure |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health (Sheffield) > School of Health and Related Research (Sheffield) > ScHARR - Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 03 Nov 2020 10:52 |
Last Modified: | 03 Nov 2020 10:52 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Medknow |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.4103/njcp.njcp_187_20 |
Related URLs: | |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:167561 |