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Effects of a Decision-Making Intervention to Help Decide Whether to Disclose HIV-Positive Status to Family Members on Well-Being and Sexual Behavior

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Abstract

An HIV diagnosis is often followed by uncertainty, questions over next steps, and concerns over how to share the diagnosis with others. The goal of the current study was to investigate the effects of an intervention designed to help people living with HIV decide whether or not they want to disclose their status to family members (i.e., decision-making process rather than actual disclosure) and the subsequent decision on their well-being and sexual behavior. Additionally, differences in outcomes among men who have sex with men (MSM), heterosexual men (HSM), and women were examined. A total of 346 women and men living in the Southeastern part of the United States. Participated in the study, which consisted of a baseline assessment, followed by randomization into either the disclosure intervention or attention control case management group. Both treatments consisted of seven sessions over a 12-month period. Results from repeated measures ANOVA indicated that although there was no significant intervention effect, participants in both groups reported some improvements in well-being and decreases in risky sexual behavior. However, no consistent differences in outcomes emerged among MSM, HSM, and women. Assisting with the disclosure decision-making process and reducing HIV transmission risk should continue to be an essential focus in future research endeavors and for frontline professionals dedicated to HIV-related care and prevention.

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Funding

This study was supported by a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health (R01MH097486) awarded to the first author.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA

    Julianne M. Serovich & Tanja C. Laschober

  2. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA

    Monique J. Brown

  3. Division of Biology and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA

    Judy A. Kimberly

  4. Department of Mental Health Law and Policy, College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA

    Celia M. Lescano

Authors
  1. Julianne M. Serovich
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  2. Tanja C. Laschober
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  3. Monique J. Brown
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  4. Judy A. Kimberly
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  5. Celia M. Lescano
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Correspondence to Julianne M. Serovich.

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Serovich, J.M., Laschober, T.C., Brown, M.J. et al. Effects of a Decision-Making Intervention to Help Decide Whether to Disclose HIV-Positive Status to Family Members on Well-Being and Sexual Behavior. Arch Sex Behav 49, 2091–2101 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-020-01703-0

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