Faculty Collaboration Database

HIV-positive persons' awareness and understanding of their state's criminal HIV disclosure law. AIDS Behav 2009 Dec;13(6):1262-9

Date

11/01/2008

Pubmed ID

18975069

Pubmed Central ID

PMC4538940

DOI

10.1007/s10461-008-9477-y

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-72449209380 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   20 Citations

Abstract

Commentary on the potential impact of HIV-specific disclosure laws on persons living with HIV has been critical, plentiful, and enduring. Yet empirical information with which to answer even the most basic questions about these laws, such as whether HIV-positive persons living in a state with a disclosure law are aware of the law, is absent. This study reports on data gathered from a statewide sample of 384 HIV-positive persons living in a state with an HIV disclosure law. Participant awareness and understanding of the law were assessed. Data on the sources from which participants received information on the law and the perceived helpfulness of these sources were also collected. Analyses were conducted to identify associations between participant awareness or understanding of the law and demographic characteristics of participants or information sources encountered. The majority of participants were aware that their state had enacted an HIV-specific disclosure law. Understanding of the law was good, although there was substantial confusion over several provisions. The most prevalent and most helpful sources of information on the law were AIDS-related resources as opposed to mass media. Forty-two percent of the participants learned about the law when first diagnosed with HIV. Sixty-two percent of the participants reported that their case manager had told them about the law.

Author List

Galletly CL, Difranceisco W, Pinkerton SD

Authors

Wayne J. DiFranceisco Research Scientist II in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Carol L. Galletly JD, PhD Associate Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Awareness
Criminal Law
Female
HIV Infections
HIV Seropositivity
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Prevalence
Quality of Life
Self Disclosure
Surveys and Questionnaires
United States