The Psychosocial Effects of Disclosing a Positive Hiv Diagnosis: a Preliminary Investigation

The aim and objective of this investigation is to explore,on a preliminary basis,the psychological and social effects on a sample of women following disclosure of their positive HIV diagnosis. The study was conducted in KwaZulu-Natal, SA. A convenience sampling approach was used to collect the sample. Inclusion criteria included female, older than 18,with a positive HIV status. Participants'disclosure of a positive HIV status was a key inclusion criterion. Semi-structured interviews were used in the collection of data. The themes in the transcripts as well as from the literature review were utilized as a guide. The results of this study suggest that there are various factors that influence whether disclosure of a positive HIV diagnosis takes place,largely based on the initial adjustment to the positive HIV diagnosis,the individual's socio-cultural context and the weighing of potential reactions (whether positive or negative) that disclosing a positive HIV diagnosis can induce. The psychological effects of disclosing a positive HIV diagnosis that were identified in this study were anger, fear of stigma/discrimination, shock and disbelief and a false sense of acceptance of the diagnosis.