A model of HIV disclosure: Disclosure and types of social relationships

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess perceptions of HIV positive (+) persons regarding disclosure of their serostatus to others with the goal of developing a model of HIV disclosure that could be used by healthcare providers (HCPs) in HIV prevention. Data sources: Data were collected through 13 focus groups from 104 HIV+ participants. The groups were formed based on three HIV risk exposure categories - men who have sex with men, high-risk heterosexuals, and substance users. Conclusions: Data analysis revealed three themes: disclosure of one's HIV+ serostatus depends on type of social relationships, fear, and stigma, with social relationships being the major theme. A model of HIV disclosure emerged from the data analysis of social relationships. In the model, social relationships were categorized as sexual and nonsexual, with varying degrees of HIV disclosure - depending on the social relationship with the person to whom one did or did not disclose. Results indicated that HIV is still a fearful and stigmatizing disease, and disclosure of HIV status is a complex phenomenon embedded in various types of social relationships. Implications for practice: Results of this study provide a "Model of HIV Disclosure" that can be utilized by nurse practitioners and other HCPs in clinical practice when providing treatment, counseling, and prevention education for HIV+ clients and for prevention education for HIV negative clients - especially for family, friends, sexual partners, and employers of HIV+ clients. © 2007 American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.