Patients with HIV not only have to deal with the challenges of living with an incurable disease but also with the dilemma of whether or not to disclose their status to their partners, families and friends. This study explores the extent to which sub-Saharan African (SSA) migrant women in Belgium disclose their HIV positive status, reasons for disclosure/non-disclosure and how they deal with HIV disclosure. A qualitative study consisting of interviews with twenty-eight SSA women with HIV/AIDS was conducted. Thematic content analysis was employed to identify themes as they emerged. Our study reveals that these women usually only disclose their status to healthcare professionals because of the treatment and care they need. This selective disclosure is mainly due to the taboo of HIV disease in SSA culture. Stigma, notably self-stigma, greatly impedes HIV disclosure. Techniques to systematically incorporate HIV disclosure into post-test counseling and primary care services are highly recommended. © 2015 Arrey et al.

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information seeking Africa south of the Sahara Human immunodeficiency virus infection interpersonal communication human social isolation middle aged controlled study coping behavior Aged Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome social support African ethnology qualitative research human relation interview Confidentiality Humans migrant psychology Trust Adolescent Empathy Interviews as Topic Emigrants and Immigrants Truth Disclosure semi structured interview female clinical article Belgium stigma Article Shame partner violence adult social discrimination acquired immune deficiency syndrome taboo