Van Zyl, RianaBodiba, Tshepho Lesiba Laurence2021-03-242021-03-242020-02http://hdl.handle.net/11660/10978HIV is a chronic infection which, although cannot be cured, can be controlled with life-long treatment, provided there is good adherence. Good adherence requires a holistic approach. The patients need to have adequate food, good social support system and participation in their treatment decisions. The lack of any of the above-mentioned factors can have deleterious effects. This is particularly a problem in children. Adherence is dependent on the carer when they are still young. Once they get to teenage years, they start asking questions. The National Department of Health has provided guidelines on step wise disclosure for children. This study explored the prevalence of disclosure to vertically infected children from 6 to 18 years of age. The study was conducted in a South African tertiary hospital paediatric HIV clinic in Bloemfontein, Pelonomi Hospital. Data was collected in the form of a questionnaire, which was completed by the caregiver, and in those that met the criteria the children filled a different section. Convenient sampling method was used. The results showed a better outcome (76% disclosure prevalence, 65% being full disclosure), compared to the other studies (Western Cape, South Africa, 23.7%, 2019 and Zimbabwe, 29.6%, 2019). The difference in the level of care of the current study compared to the previous studies, which were mostly primary level of care, could contribute to the results as well. Of note is that the patients in this study were complicated patients, most of whom were on second line treatment. The suggested average age of disclosure by the children themselves was 12, which is higher than the South African guidelines of full disclosure by the age of 10 years. The best person to disclose and the place where it should be done was also suggested by the children. This study augments the platform that has been set for the authorities to implement a disclosure program into paediatric HIV care.enDissertation (M.Med. (Paediatrics and Child Health))--University of the Free State, 2020HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)PMTCT (Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission)HIV status disclosureTreatment adherenceHIV in childrenARV (Antiretroviral)AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)ALHIV (Adolescents living with HIV)Vertical transmissionPaediatric HIVDissertationUniversity of the Free State