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Disclosure of the diagnosis of parental HIV

Abstract

The aim was to assess scientific evidence available in the literature about the factors that influence the decision to disclose the parents’ HIV diagnosis to their children. The type study is integrative review in the Medline and Lilacs databases, using the words [HIV or aids] and [criança or adolescente] and [revelação]. 14 articles were selected. Factors influencing the decision to disclose the diagnosis were: the cognitive ability and maturity of the child, the strengthening of family ties, the information provided to the child about the disease, parental illness and death, the discovery by third parties, stigma and prejudice, negative reactions from the children, the way to talk about the disease with the child, and the fear of losing parental power. Therefore, a process of preparation for disclosure of the diagnosis, shared among family members who take care of the child and health professionals who maintain ties with the family, was identified.

Keywords:
HIV; Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; Child health; Adolescent health; Truth disclosure; Family

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