Pediatrics HIV-positive status disclosure and its predictors in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction. HIV-positive status disclosure for children is challenging for family members, guardians, and healthcare professionals. Disclosure is very challenging, par-ticularly for children, yet no systematic synthesis of evidence accurately measures HIV -positive status disclosure in children. This systematic review and meta-analysis study aimed to quantify the national prevalence of pediatric HIV-positive status disclosure in Ethiopia and identify factors associated with HIV-positive status disclosure. Method. We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science databases, and google scholar for relevant published studies. Studies published in the English language and conducted with cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional designs were eligible for the review. The primary and secondary outcomes of the study were HIV-positive status disclosure and factors associated with HIV-positive status disclosure, respectively. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. A random effect-model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of HIV-positive status disclosure. Heterogeneity and publication bias of included studies was determined using I2 and Egger's test, respectively. Result. From 601 records screened, nine relevant studies consisting of 2,442 HIV -positive children were included in the analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of HIV -positive status disclosure among children living with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia was 31.2% (95% CI [23.9-38.5]). HIV-negative status of caregivers (AOR: 2.01; 95% CI [1.28- 3.18]), long duration on ART (greater than 5 years) (AOR: 3.2; 95% CI [1.77-5.78]) and older age of the child (> 10 years) (AOR: 7.2; 95% CI [4.37-11.88]) were significantly associated with HIV-positive status disclosure. Conclusion. Low prevalence of pediatric HIV-positive status disclosure was observed in Ethiopia. The longer duration of ART, the HIV-negative status of the caregiver, and older age greater than 10 years were the predictors of pediatric HIV-positive status disclosure. Health system leaders and policymakers shall design training and counseling programs for healthcare professionals and caregivers to enhance their awareness about HIV-positive status disclosure.