Determinants of HIV Status Disclosure to Children and Adolescents in Cameroon: A Case-Control Study

What is known. Disclosure of HIV status to infected children and adolescents is a cornerstone of chronic disease management, promoting adherence and mental health. However, in Sub-Saharan Africa, fear, stigma, and lack of caregiver support lead to pervasive non-disclosure, undermining treatment success. The question addressed. This study investigated which child, caregiver, clinical, and psychosocial factors are associated with the successful disclosure of HIV status to children and adolescents aged 6-19 in a major Cameroonian treatment centre. What this study adds. We found disclosure (mean age 11.8 years) was strongly linked to the child’s older age and longer treatment duration. Crucially, modifiable psychosocial factors in caregivers—such as belonging to a support group (4.9x higher odds), participating in education sessions (4.9x), and knowing other affected children (4.6x)—were powerfully associated with disclosure. Implications. The findings argue for a paradigm shift in paediatric HIV care programs. Actively fostering caregiver support networks and providing structured disclosure training are essential, actionable strategies to break the silence and improve quality of life for young people living with HIV. This publication is available in full in  Health Research in Africa.