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Abstract
Effectiveness of a ´5-step intervention technique´ for disclosure of HIV status to HIV-infected children
Oberdorfer P.1, Phuthanakit T.2, Louthrenoo O.1, Charnsil C.3, Sirisanthana V.1, Sirisanthana T.2
Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of a ´5- step intervention technique´ for disclosure of HIV status to HIV-infected children.
Methods: A 2 –year cohort study was conducted among HIV-infected children receiving HAART at the Chiang Mai University Hospital, Thailand.
Results: Baseline data of 103 HIV-infected children (males: 61%; average age: 9.5 years) and caregivers were collected. About 70% of caregivers reported that their children had not yet known their HIV status. The most common reason for non-disclosure was the fear that disclosure might have negative psychological consequences for the child. We used a ´5-step intervention technique´ (gathering information, providing education, determining the right time, disclosing the status using a drawing technique, and monitoring) for the disclosure process. Seventy-five children who were eligible for disclosure participated in the process. After disclosure, we found that disclosure did not increase the children’s depression (26% vs. 28%) and anxiety rates (4% vs. 8%). The children showed a significantly better understanding about HIV infection and prevention, especially condom use (66% vs. 86%; p<0.05); and had more positive attitudes towards HIV-infection and hope for future (46% vs. 77%; p<0.05). They moreover understood more about the importance of adherence to the anti-retroviral therapy (55% vs. 79%; p<0.05). Caregivers tended to have lower rates of depression (11% vs. 7%) after the process. More than 95% of both caregivers and their children expressed their satisfaction with the disclosure process, especially with the illustration of the affects of HIV on the body and the function of antiretroviral drugs through the use of a drawing.
Conclusions: The ´5-step intervention technique´ for disclosure of HIV status benefited HIV-infected children and their caregivers in terms of gaining a better understanding and attitude towards HIV-infection and adherence to antiretroviral therapy. The use of this method in conjunction with standard care for HIV-infected children is warranted.
4th IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention
Abstract no.
WEPDB05
Suggested Citation
"OberdorferP., et al.
Effectiveness of a ´5-step intervention technique´ for disclosure of HIV status to HIV-infected children.
Poster discussion:
4th IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention:
Abstract no.
WEPDB05"
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