Asia Pacific Journal of Pediatric and Child Health

Abstract Ref Number = APCP756

Poster Presentation

A STUDY FROM CAREGIVERS' PERSPECTIVES CONCERNING DISCLOSURE OF HIV STATUS IN HIV INFECTED CHILDREN

Monika Kristi Levania,Dina Muktiarti,Tiroy Junita,Winona Andrari Mardhitiyani,Rizta Aulia Widyana Department of Child Health Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital Department of Child Health Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital Jakarta Indonesia

Background : Since the era of antiretroviral therapy, life expectancy of HIV-infected children has increased and the focus of therapy shifts into the children’s quality of life. One of some crucial processes is HIV disclosure, which is considered beneficial in children’s treatment adherence. On the other hand, some caregivers concern about the psychological impact of the disclosure. In developed countries, the lack of accurate guideline causes the variation of HIV status disclosure between 18-77%. This study aimed to evaluate factors that affect the decision on disclosing HIV status among HIV-infected children in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta. Material : A cross-sectional study was conducted on 101 HIV-infected children using questionnaire answered by caregivers of these children. Results : Most of the subjects were female (50.5%) and in the age group of 7-<12 years old (69.3%) followed by age group of 12-<15 years old (26%), and 15-18 years old (5%). Only 31 (30,7%) subjects have been disclosed. From those who have not yet disclosed, 35 (34,7%) caregivers planned to wait until the children turn to 12-15 years old for disclosing the HIV status. In this study, only caregivers’ participation in peer support group was a significant factor to time of HIV disclosure (p=0.002). Caregiver’s education, income, knowledge of disclosure and relation to child were not significant factors to time of HIV disclosure (p=0,733; p=0,283; p=0,745). By disclosing HIV status to these children, most of the caregivers felt that these children can protect themselves from impact of HIV (53.5%). However, they were afraid that these children will experience depression or sadness when they know about their illness (41.6%). Conclusions : In this study, only caregivers’ participation in peer support group was found significant to time of HIV disclosure. The caregivers considered that age of 12 years old and above as the appropriate age for disclosure.

Keywords: background caregiver disclosure HIV infected children