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Study on HIV Disclosure and Psychological Well-being
Background
Poor psychological well-being is common among young adults living with HIV in South Africa. This study aimed to understand how disclosing their HIV status and the reactions they received affected their mental health.
Method
The study analyzed data from the Standing Tall trial, which included 100 young adults aged 18-24 living with HIV in urban South Africa. Participants were interviewed at the beginning of the study and 6 months later.
Results
- 51% of participants disclosed their HIV status within 6 months.
- Those who disclosed their status had lower levels of disclosure concerns and internalized stigma.
- The reactions to disclosure did not significantly impact the participants’ psychosocial well-being.
Conclusion
These findings suggest that disclosing their HIV status may help reduce internalized stigma for young adults living with HIV. The study highlights the importance of interventions promoting disclosure and psychosocial well-being in this population.
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