As the rate of new infections in adolescents has not significantly declined, more research to better understand whether and how social support influences disclosure decisions is needed in order to develop effective interventions. 8 This fear of disclosure of their HIV diagnosis to family and close friends may also reduce the social support they may need to navigate not only typical adolescent developmental issues, but the effects of HIV on their quality of life as well. 2, 7 Given such stigma, YLHIV may be apprehensive about disclosing their HIV status to parents, friends and sexual partners. 2- 4 The psychological distress that is often experienced by HIV-infected youth as the result of stigma has been associated with participation in sexual and substance use risk behaviors 5, 6 and decreased adherence to antiretroviral therapies. HIV-related stigma has been shown to negatively impact quality of life for youth living with HIV (YLHIV). A healthy quality of life for these youth is important as they continue their development into adulthood. At the end of 2010, the World Health Organization estimated that 5 million young people age 15 to 24 years were living with HIV/AIDS on a global basis 1.
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