HIV/AIDS disclosure in the context of selected Filipino families

This study explores how families react to the disclosure of HIV/AIDS. It examines the factors that affect disclosure, and describes how families define the problem situation, the consequences they face as a result of the disclosure and the decisions they make. Purposive sampling was used to get ten persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLHAs) and their respective confidants/es. Interview guides were used to get primary data which were taped, transcribed verbatim and coded. Case profiles were constructed from the content analysis. Findings reveal that PLHA factors that influenced disclosure included unemployment and having children. Their personal issues included history of prostitution among the women, use of prostituted sex among the men. Most had strained relationships with family or relations. Some PLHAs entered into marriage or sexual relations without disclosing their HIV status while others decided to have children despite their HIV status. Almost all the families were living independent lives. However, PLHAs who were youngest in their families were expected to support their widowed mothers. Family resources was not reported to be a significant factor in the disclosure of HIV status. Most of the families had very little knowledge of HIV/AIDS prior to or during the time of HIV disclosure. The reasons for disclosure were categorized into three: a) concern for family welfare b) need to ease personal burden and c) circumstantial reasons. Disclosure was mostly triggered by an illness. A majority of the disclosure are selective, that is, not all family members have been informed of the HIV status. Disclosure had opposing effects on families. For some families disclosure led to reconciliation, while for other families, it led to estrangement. However, all the couples reported a closer and more loving relationship. Family decisions after the disclosure included keeping the status secret to a few members. Child adoption and custody decisions were also made. All the PLHAs decided to reside at Bahay Lingap not only for economic reasons but more importantly to safeguard their health. Family definitions of their problem situation included assigning blame, maintaining silence and regarding it as a time for renewal