FACING THE TRUTH: THE CHALLENGES OF HIV DISCLOSURE AMONG ADOLESCENTS WITH PERINATAL HIV IN BULAWAYO, ZIMBABWE

Abstract

 The purpose of the study was to explore the process of HIV disclosure to children living with perinatal HIV at Mpilo Opportunistic Clinic (OI) in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province. The qualitative approach was used to study the topic and a phenomenological research design was used to describe the process of disclosure to children living with perinatal HIV. Data was collected through in-depth interviews. The data collected revealed that HIV status disclosure to children was difficult for caregivers which caused the disclosure to be done late than recommended by Ministry of Health and Child Care Zimbabwe. This had a significant negative impact on the psychological wellbeing of the children who also struggle to disclose their status to others. The study revealed that the HIV counsellors lacked skills to counsel on psychological issues. The study recommended that Psychologists be integrated in formulation of HIV manual and be employed at OI clinics to counsel children and caregivers.