Authors: Musa Shuaibu.
Background: Inadvertent disclosure of HIV status poses significant challenges for adolescents living with HIV, particularly in settings where stigma and discrimination are prevalent.
Objective: This research seeks to delve into the prevalence and ramifications of accidental disclosures of HIV status among adolescents frequenting a Youth Friendly Clinic (YFC) at a major hospital in Kaduna, Nigeria. It further aims to uncover the medical and social repercussions following such incidents.
Methods: Employing a comprehensive mixed-methods strategy, this study combined quantitative and qualitative analyses. Initially, a survey was conducted among 217 adolescents aged between 10 and 19 years, who were patients at the YFC of a tertiary care facility. This survey gathered information on demographic factors, experiences related to the disclosure of HIV status, and the effects of accidental disclosures on emotional health and the consistency of antiretroviral treatment adherence. Subsequently, the study engaged in qualitative research through detailed interviews and group discussions with 85 adolescents who had unintentionally disclosed their HIV status. This allowed for an exploration of the experiences surrounding these disclosures, the coping strategies adopted, and their perceptions of available support. Ethical clearance was secured to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the research process.
Results: The initial analysis revealed that a significant portion (39.2%) of the adolescent participants had inadvertently disclosed their HIV status, mostly by overhearing conversations (56%) and through discussions with peers at the clinic (17%). The qualitative exploration identified key themes such as heightened experiences of stigma and discrimination, difficulties in securing social support, and detrimental effects on mental health. Following these unintended disclosures, adolescents reported feelings of social isolation, changed perceptions by family members, and battles with depression and anxiety. The findings highlight the intricate relationship between accidental disclosure and its social and medical impacts, emphasizing the necessity for bespoke interventions aimed at addressing the needs of this at-risk demographic.
Conclusion: The confidentiality of adolescent patients must be a top priority for healthcare professionals, alongside the development of preventative measures against accidental disclosures and the provision of comprehensive support services to counteract the adverse outcomes. By enhancing privacy protection and offering individualized support, it is feasible to mitigate the negative effects associated with unintended disclosures, including stigma and mental health challenges. This investigation enriches our comprehension of accidental HIV status disclosure among adolescents and accentuates the critical need for creating interventions that improve their overall well- being and social inclusion.
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