HIV disclosure from parent to child is a complex and challenging issue that plagues parents
and healthcare professionals. Little is known about how HIV-positive parents prepare
themselves and their children for full disclosure and what resources they need. This study
was conducted to understand the lived experiences of HIV-positive parents and their
children during the disclosure process in Kenya, particularly the activities performed by
parents in preparation for HIV disclosure. Qualitative phenomenological data was collected
via in-depth semistructured interviews conducted with 16 HIV-positive parents with
biological children aged 8–17 years who had no, partial, or full disclosure of their parent’s (or
parents’) and/or a child’s illness. The Van Kaam method was used to analyze data using
NVivo Version 8. A number of themes emerged, indicating that most parents take years to
prepare, proceeding when they judge themselves and their children adequately prepared.
Preparation activities included thinking about and making disclosure plans, improving
family relationships, reading information, teaching children about the disease, seeking
counseling, attending support group meetings, praying, and attending religious activities. As
more resource-poor nations prepare their own HIV disclosure guidelines, data presented here
should be incorporated into guidelines, manuals, and programs in countries that mirror the
Kenyan culture.