Disclosure of HIV among black African men and women attending a London HIV clinic

Little research has focused specifically on disclosure among HIV+ Black Africans living in the UK; however, the available evidence suggests that this population may be reluctant to disclose to significant others. Forty-five HIV+ Black African men and women were recruited from a London HIV clinic. Semi-structured interviews gathered information on: disclosure, social support, mental and physical health, medication adherence, acculturation and the perceived prevalence of stigma. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses were conducted. The majority of the participants had disclosed to one significant other and there was an inverse association between perceived stigma and disclosure. Disclosure could not be predicted by any of the respondent characteristics identified in the study; rather, disclosure decisions were reasoned, interpersonal in nature and many of the motivations were specific to the individual. There was little evidence to suggest that those who disclosed to more than one other gained additional benefits in physical or mental well-being. Clinicians seeking to assist members of this population to disclose need to assess the specific reasons for and barriers against disclosure for that individual.