Exploring HIV-Infected Women's Attitudes Toward Disclosing Their Diagnosis: Qualitative Research

Abstract

Background: HIV disclosure plays a crucial role in HIV prevention efforts because it allows individuals to make informed decisions about their sexual health and reduces the risk of transmitting the virus to others. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the attitudes of HIV-infected women toward disclosing their diagnosis. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted between June 2021 and September 2022 in Mashhad, Iran. Participants were selected through purposeful sampling with maximum variation. Sixteen HIV-positive women were interviewed in-depth using a semi-structured interviewing process to gather qualitative data. Data were analyzed using inductive qualitative content analysis. Results: The main theme that emerged from the analysis was a dual attitude toward HIV disclosure, consisting of two categories: Perceived well-being and perceived personal and social challenges. Perceived well-being included the promotion of well-being, gaining family support, and promoting compassion and understanding. Perceived personal and social challenges encompassed the stigma's shadow on interactions, breaches of confidentiality, facing legal challenges of marriage breakdown, and family well-being concerns. Conclusions: The study highlights that negative attitudes toward HIV disclosure are primarily influenced by social factors. Nurses and midwives can play a key role in promoting acceptance and support for these individuals by advocating for culturally sensitive national programs, providing education to the community on HIV disclosure, and offering non-judgmental care.