HIV Status Disclosure to Children: A Scoping Review of Associated Factors

This scoping review aims to map and synthesize existing evidence on factors associated with HIV status disclosure to children. Disclosure of HIV status to children is a complex process influenced by individual, familial, healthcare, and socio-cultural factors, and plays a critical role in children’s psychological well-being, treatment adherence, and long-term health outcomes. Using a scoping review methodology, this review will systematically identify, select, and chart relevant literature to explore the range of factors influencing HIV status disclosure to children, including caregiver-related factors, child characteristics, health system roles, and contextual influences. The review will also describe the types of disclosure approaches reported in the literature and identify gaps to inform future research, policy development, and intervention design, particularly in low- and middle-income country settings.