Factors that influence HIV status disclosure among the elderly: perspectives from Shurugwi, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Due to the widespread availability of antiretroviral medications, many people with HIV are living longer. Being an HIV-positive elderly, however, brings in complications as far as disclosure of status is concerned. This phenomenological study was carried out to explore factors that influence disclosure among the elderly. Sample data was obtained from 14 participants aged at least 50 years who attended a certain District Hospital for ART. Using the convenience sampling technique, the researchers were able to select those patients who were easily accessible until sample size was reached. The researchers used interpretive thematic analysis that allowed coding of findings. The main findings from the research indicated that stigma, loss of family support, partner’s reaction and cultural norms were the main reasons that hindered the elderly to freely disclose their HIV-positive serostatus as it cuts across all their social interactions. In order to reduce the negative consequences of nondisclosure, the elderly, their significant others and the general public need to be educated about the importance of disclosure among the elderly and support groups for the elderly need to be availed.