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INTRODUCTION

HIV infection remains a major public health issue due to its transmissibility. While unprotected sexual intercourse is the most documented route, mother-to-child vertical transmission continues to be a concern, with approximately 150,000 new pediatric infections every year. This study analyzes adolescents’ perceptions and lived experiences following the disclosure of their HIV-positive status.

METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted with 14 adolescents aged 10 to 15 years residing in Kinshasa, all living with HIV acquired during the perinatal period. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and data were analyzed using Atlas.ti 2023 software to identify the themes, subthemes, and meaning units.

RESULTS

The thematic analysis revealed that the disclosure of serological status is an experience marked by frustration, disappointment toward parents, fear of the chronicity of HIV, but also trust in healthcare professionals. These feelings led to differentiated attitudes: therapeutic adherence, health self-management, or neglect of care.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the need for tailored disclosure strategies and post-disclosure care, taking into account the lived experience of adolescents in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in order to strengthen therapeutic adherence and psychosocial support.