Denial as a response to counselling and testing

ABSTRACT

The objectives was to investigate denial as a response to counselling and testing. This is a qualitative study. Eighteen individuals were followed up for a period of up to five years after they had been informed that they were HIV positive; or had AIDS. Most had early symptoms when first counselled and tested. Their responses was observed through direct observation by community health workers and the principal researcher; or through informal interviews. Denial was manifested verbally by subjects in the following ways - by denying that they had a positive test for HIV. - by denying that they had any symptoms at all - by denying that their symptoms could be attributed to AIDS. The majority of subjects took new partners after they had been informed of their serostatus. In some cases this was part of 'proof' of their normality. People may response to the information that they are HIV positive or have AIDS; by denial particularly if their illness does not seem to progress quickly to a terminal stage. In the stages of adjustment to a terminal illness; denial is a normal response when the person is first informed. However the person will then usually move through the stages of anger; bargaining and depression to final acceptance. In AIDS; due to the prolonged and fluctuating nature of their illness; a person may remain in the stage of denial for many years disadvantage of offering early counselling and testing to those who are hIV positive