Exploring HIV-Infected Women s Attitudes Toward Disclosing Their Diagnosis: A Qualitative Research

Background: HIV disclosure plays a crucial role in HIV prevention efforts because it allows individuals to make informed decisions about their sexual health and reduces the risk of transmitting the virus to others. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the attitudes of HIV-infected women toward disclosing their diagnosis. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted between June 2021 and September 2022 in Mashhad, Iran. Participants were selected through purposeful sampling with maximum variation. Sixteen HIV-positive women were interviewed in-depth using a semi-structured interviewing process to gather qualitative data. Data were analyzed using inductive qualitative content analysis. Results: The main theme that emerged from the analysis was a dual attitude toward HIV disclosure, consisting of two categories: Perceived well-being and perceived personal and social challenges. Perceived well-being included the promotion of well-being, gaining family support, and promoting compassion and understanding. Perceived personal and social challenges encompassed the stigma s shadow on interactions, breaches of confidentiality, facing legal challenges of marriage breakdown, and family well-being concerns. Conclusions: The study highlights that negative attitudes toward HIV disclosure are primarily influenced by social factors. Nurses and midwives can play a key role in promoting acceptance and support for these individuals by advocating for culturally sensitive national programs, providing education to the community on HIV disclosure, and offering non-judgmental care.