Studies suggest that children who know their HIV status have higher self-esteem than children who are unaware of their status. Parents who have disclosed the status to their children experience less depression than those who do not. This statement addresses our current knowledge and recommendations for disclosure of HIV infection status to children and adolescents.
Considerable guidelines exist about the disclosure of a chronic illness to a child.
In general, disclosure is geared to a child's level of cognitive development 4 and psychosocial maturity. For most illnesses, young children receive simple explanations about the nature of their illness and what their responsibilities are in caring for themselves. The exact diagnosis and prognosis of the disease are less important in early discussions with young children. As children mature, they should be fully informed of the nature and consequences of their illness and encouraged to actively participate in their own medical care. Children with a variety of chronic diseases, including those with cancer, have exhibited better coping skills and fewer psychosocial problems when appropriately informed about the nature and consequences of their illness.