International Journal of Nursing Information
Vol. 5 No. 1 (2026)

Developing a Triadic Implementation Framework for Adolescent HIV Status Disclosure in Resource-Limited Settings: A Mixed-Methods Study in Kenya

Obiero Ooko (Africa Research University)
Limkile Mpofu (University of South Africa)
Lawrence Mwaniki (Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology)



Article Info

Publish Date
29 Jul 2026

Abstract

HIV status disclosure to adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) remains a critical yet inconsistently implemented component of paediatric HIV care in resource-limited settings. Despite policy guidance promoting developmentally appropriate disclosure, routine practice continues to lag. This study formulates an evidence-informed triadic implementation framework grounded in empirical data and aligned with global guidelines. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was conducted in Western Kenya, involving 310 caregiver–adolescent dyads, eight focus group discussions (n=64), and ten key informant interviews with healthcare providers. Multivariable logistic regression identified independent predictors of disclosure using a quadratic age term for non-linear dynamics, while thematic analysis explored contextual drivers across existing policy frameworks. Overall disclosure prevalence was 74.5%, but dropped to 1.8% among early adolescents (10–12 years), demonstrating a threshold effect (aOR=0.70, 95% CI: 0.59–0.83, p<0.001). Primary predictors included caregiver training (aOR=15.61), confidence (aOR=2.42), peer support access (aOR=3.33), and perceived adolescent maturity (aOR=1.52), whereas fear of psychological harm reduced disclosure odds (aOR=0.27). Disclosure was associated with improved ART adherence (93.9%) and emotional well-being (92.6%), despite initial distress (34.6%). The resulting Triadic Model conceptualizes disclosure as the convergence of adolescent readiness, caregiver capacity, and health system support. It operationalizes normative guidelines into five actionable mechanisms: structured readiness assessment, anticipatory caregiver preparation, family-engaged planning, health system enabling, and post-disclosure follow-up. This framework provides a scalable model to bridge the policy-practice gap in resource-constrained health systems.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

ijni

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health

Description

International Journal of Nursing Information (IJNI) provides a forum for original research and scholarship about health care delivery, organisation, management, workforce, policy and research methods relevant to nursing, midwifery and other health related professions. IJNI, being an international ...