Disclosure of Illness Status to Children and Adolescents With HIV Infection

Many children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome are surviving to middle childhood and adolescence. 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.