Factors affecting disclosure of serostatus to children attending Jinja Hospital Paediatric HIV clinic, Uganda.

BACKGROUND Disclosure of HIV status is important for optimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy in children. Identifying factors that affect disclosure of sero-status to children will help improve the process of disclosure. The purpose of the study was to determine the rate of HIV disclosure by the parents/caretakers to their children and other factors affecting disclosure. METHODS A cross sectional study among 174 caretakers of children age 5-8 years, twenty children and all (ten) health workers at Jinja Hospital paediatric HIV clinic. Data was collected with standardized questionnaires on socio-demographic factors, disclosure status, health facility factors, fears and perceived benefits of disclosure. RESULTS We found disclosure rates in 56% of the children. Among those not disclosed to, non-disclosure was 19% and deception 25%. Factors associated with disclosure of sero-status to a child were age of child (X2 37.4 df 1 p< 0.001), child being on antiretroviral therapy (OR 2.0 CI 1.1-3.6 p=0.024) and child attending psychosocial support group (OR 7.4 CI 3.6-15.3 p < 0.001). There were no appropriate guidelines on disclosure and only half of health providers had training on disclosure of HIV serostatus to children. CONCLUSION The overall prevalence of disclosure was low. Psychosocial support groups promoted disclosure.