A Mixed-Methods Study Supporting a Model of Chinese Parental HIV Disclosure

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Social Science
• Psychology

Background:

• HIV-positive parents grapple with disclosing their status to children.
• Cultural stigma and family harmony concerns are significant in China.
• Limited research exists on parental HIV disclosure in Chinese cultural contexts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a culturally relevant model of parental HIV disclosure in China.
• To understand barriers and motivations for disclosure among Chinese parents living with HIV.
• To inform future research and interventions on this sensitive topic.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods study combining in-depth interviews (N=24) and surveys (N=84).
• Data collected from parents living with HIV in Shanghai and Beijing.
• Development of the Chinese Parental HIV Disclosure Model.

Main Results:

• Key barriers include stigma, fear of revealing HIV origin, burdening the child, and social repercussions.
• Motivations for disclosure involve disease progression, child safety, seeking support, and parental duty.
• A significant majority (68%) had not actively disclosed; many used partial, unplanned, or unintentional disclosure methods.

Conclusions:

• The developed Chinese Parental HIV Disclosure Model integrates cultural factors, decision-making, disclosure events, and outcomes.
• The model underscores the importance of cultural context in parental HIV disclosure.
• Findings can guide future research and interventions for Chinese families affected by HIV.