Prevalence and barriers of hiv status disclosure among children aged 6-12 years in Kasungu, Malawi.

Abstract

Over the past years, the global community and individual countries have made progress in meeting the needs of adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV). This includes knowledge about their HIV status which needs to be age tailored and be gradually informed. Nevertheless, to date, researchers have focused on child and primary care giver experiences. Little is known about prevalence and barriers of HIV status disclosure among children aged 6 to 12 years old. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and the barriers of HIV status disclosure to children aged 6 to 12 years old in Kasungu, Malawi. A mixed method research approach and a transformative missed methods design were used in this study to explore the HIV status disclosure phenomenon and establish its gravity. A census sampling strategy was employed to include participants into the study. Survey questionnaire, in-depths key informant interview guide, and audio-recorder were used to collect data from all health care workers working in antiretroviral clinics who interacts with children in Kasungu, Malawi. Participants were interviewed to assess if they practice and their perspectives and the barriers encountered. Data were analyzed using descriptive and thematic analysis. The findings revealed that a small percentage (12%) of health care workers reported disclosure of HIV status to children. A significant proportion (72%) reported that they had never disclosed HIV status to children. The major barriers to disclosure were the age of the child, the fear of the consequences of disclosure, need for private space and the child's inability to maintain privacy regarding their diagnosis. The study further highlights the relevance for providing the appropriate training and mentorship on HIV status disclosure for health care workers among children and necessary resources.