Shrouded in Secrecy: Breaking the News of HIV Infection to Ghanaian Women

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Abstract
The purpose of this research was to examine the experience of HIV-positive Ghanaian women and to identify factors that influenced their vulnerability to infection. The study was carried out in Ghana from January to May 1999 using participatory action research. In-depth interviews and focus groups with 31 HIV-positive women, 5 HIV-positive men, 8 nurses, 10 professionals, and 2 traditional healers were used to collect the data. The need for secrecy in "breaking the news" emerged as an important theme. Secrecy affected the women's access to treatment and to financial and emotional support from families. The secrecy surrounding breaking the news of HIV infection is one manifestation of AIDS stigma in Ghana. Encouraging disclosure within a trusting and supportive environment may be one strategy to diffuse AIDS stigma in Ghana. Educational interventions to eliminate AIDS stigma among health care professionals, including nurses, are required in Ghana.