"Should I tell them?" How OPLWH assess HIV-related information before disclosing to their adult children: a...

With HAART improving life expectancy and increasing new HIV diagnoses among older adults, the population of older people living with HIV (OPLWH) is growing. They face unique challenges when disclosing to adult children. This study preliminarily explores how OPLWH in Wuxi, China, evaluate their disease before disclosure. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 OPLWH (aged ≥50). Using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis, results revealed five key themes in OPLWH's decision-making about disclosing their illness to adult children: (1) preparation, (2) symptoms, (3) prognosis, (4) stigma and (5) relevance to others. These themes comprised a total of 15 sub-themes, capturing various aspects of their decision-making. These findings reveal key considerations influencing disclosure decisions. They provide a preliminary empirical basis for future large-sample studies and for future longitudinal studies, as well as for developing culturally tailored support strategies to facilitate family communication, reduce stigma and improve the well-being of this population.