Document 1819
 DOCN  M94A1819
 TI    Impact of HIV/AIDS on the family in Namibia.
 DT    9412
 AU    Bor R; Mberira M; du Plessis P; City University, London, England.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):444 (abstract no. PD0384). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94370756
 AB    OBJECTIVE: To examine patterns of disclosure of diagnosis of HIV within
       families in Namibia, and to assess levels of social and financial
       support provided for the infected family member. METHODS: 100 HIV
       positive patients (55 males, 45 females) were randomly selected to
       complete a questionnaire measuring family and social support, and
       patterns of disclosure of diagnosis, at Katutura Hospital, Windhoek,
       Namibia between September and October 1993. RESULTS: The mean age of the
       sample was 32 years. 54/100 subjects had not disclosed their diagnosis
       to anyone. HIV infected males and those not currently in a relationship
       were least likely to disclose their diagnosis. The most frequently cited
       reasons for non-disclosure were: fear of being discriminated against
       (34/54), feeling there would be no personal benefit (6/54), not wanting
       to worry others (5/54), among others (9/54). Of those who had disclosed
       (46/100) 59% stated that their relationships had improved as a result.
       Parents were regarded as the main source of practical, emotional and
       financial support. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to some popular
       wisdom the extended family in this part of sub-Saharan Africa is not
       extensively involved in the support and care of someone with HIV.
       Further studies are needed to assess the impact of HIV on the family in
       general, and on parents, in particular.
 DE    Adult  *Family  Female  Human  HIV Infections/DIAGNOSIS/*PSYCHOLOGY
       Male  Namibia  *Self Disclosure  Social Support  MEETING ABSTRACT

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