“It’s My Secret”: Fear of Disclosure among Sub-Saharan African Migrant Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Belgium

Patients with HIV not only have to deal with the challenges of living with an incurable disease
but also with the dilemma of whether or not to disclose their status to their partners,
families and friends. This study explores the extent to which sub-Saharan African (SSA) migrant
women in Belgium disclose their HIV positive status, reasons for disclosure/non-disclosure
and how they deal with HIV disclosure. A qualitative study consisting of interviews
with twenty-eight SSA women with HIV/AIDS was conducted. Thematic content analysis
was employed to identify themes as they emerged. Our study reveals that these women
usually only disclose their status to healthcare professionals because of the treatment and
care they need. This selective disclosure is mainly due to the taboo of HIV disease in SSA
culture. Stigma, notably self-stigma, greatly impedes HIV disclosure. Techniques to systematically
incorporate HIV disclosure into post-test counseling and primary care services are
highly recommended.