The relationship between negative responses to HIV status disclosure and psychosocial outcomes among people living with HIV. (March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cama, Elena; Brener, Loren; Slavin, Sean; de Wit, John
• Is Part Of: Journal of health psychology. Volume 25:Number 4(2020)
• Page Start: 538
• Page End: 544
• Publication Date: 2020-03
• Subjects: Australia -- disclosure -- health -- HIV -- stigma -- social support; Clinical health psychology -- Periodicals; 613.019
• DOI: 10.1177/1359105317722404
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-1053

Abstract

This report examines rates of HIV status disclosure and negative responses to disclosure among people living with HIV in Australia. Among 697 people living with HIV, most (>90%) had disclosed their status to friends, sexual partners and health providers. Almost a third had not disclosed to family, and half had not told any work colleagues. Negative responses to disclosure (e.g. blame, rejection) by all groups were associated with increased HIV-related stigma, psychological distress and diminished social support and health satisfaction. These results shed light on rates of disclosure among people living with HIV in Australia and the adverse health impacts of negative responses to disclosure.