Table 3 Disclosed Caregivers Reasons for Delayed Disclosure (N = 20)

I did not know how the child would react

The child was too young and not mature enough to know

Disclosure to child at that age would not have made any difference in child’s treatment/care

I did not know how to tell the child about this diagnosis

I did not know what to tell child

I wanted to protect child from social stigma and discrimination

I was afraid others would get to know if child fails to keep the information secret

I was afraid disclosure would cause child to be unhappy/depressed

I was afraid about child asking me how one became infected, because child might blame me.

I could not have discussed sex with child at that age if child asked me to explain how he/she got infected.