Should children know their HIV status? Prevalence, caregiver's perspectives and barriers to disclosure at the National Hospital Abuja, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND

Nigeria ranks second globally with a HIV/AIDS prevalence of 3.2%. HIV infected children are surviving to adolescence because of anti-retroviral therapy, but many do not know why they need to take these medicines. Disclosure is critical to long-term disease management, yet, if, how and when caregivers and or health professionals disclose to children is not well known in resource-limited settings. The barriers to disclosure remain largely undocumented.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence and age of HIV disclosure to children in Abuja, Nigeria and identify caregivers perspectives as well as barriers to disclosure.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was done June-July 2016 using a structured questionnaire, convenience sampling and quantitative methods at the infectious disease clinics of National Hospital Abuja. A sample of 164 caregivers of HIV-positive children aged 5-16 years receiving antiretroviral therapy for at least 1 year were enrolled.

RESULTS

Prevalence of full disclosure was 24.5%, partial disclosure 22.7%, with overall prevalence of 47.2%. Mean age at full disclosure was 11.87 years. Bivariate analysis showed significant difference between disclosure and child's level of education (χ for trend 26.710, P < 0.001), support for disclosure (χ 4.399, P = 0.036) and if caregiver held the opinion that children should have disclosure done (Pearson's χ 30.174, P < 0.001). However, on logistic regression, only the age of the child (P < 0.001, 95% CI 1.176-1.499) and the caregiver's opinion (P = < 0.001, 95% CI 4.914-2.542) remained significant. Various barriers to disclosure were identified.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of full disclosure is low and several barriers prevent early disclosure. Caregiver's and HCWs need empowerment with culturally appropriate skills and platforms to increase disclosure rates, which may help improve adherence.