A review of the impact of HIV status disclosure on mental health and viral suppression among clients in care in Nigeria

Abstract

The review explores HIV disclosure as an essential component in managing the psychological well-being and clinical outcomes of clients living with HIV. The dynamics of disclosure remains complex due to issues with stigma, sociocultural norms, and healthcare limitations which have resulted in mental health issues in some clients and has impacted retention in care and viral suppression. The paper highlights that disclosure often leads to increased emotional support, improved self-efficacy, and better adherence to anti-retroviral therapy (ART), contributing to sustained viral suppression. Conversely, non-disclosure is frequently associated with social isolation, psychological distress, and inconsistent treatment uptake. Gender, age, and the type of relationship with disclosure targets spouse, family member, or friend emerge as key determinants in shaping disclosure experiences and outcomes. The paper concludes with recommendations on these insights as being relevant for informing public health interventions and for the development of policy frameworks that will tailor strategies that support safe, voluntary disclosure, addressing stigma and mental health concerns as essentials for achieving optimal HIV care outcomes of HIV clients in resource-limited settings.