Objective:

This paper aims to describe the perception of illness, personality characteristics and a family dynamic of children and adolescents affected by HIV, considering their social-demographic characteristics and the disclosure or non-disclosure of the diagnosis.

Method:

A qualitative study, with a grounded theory design was conducted. For data collection, 14 children and adolescents affected by HIV diagnosed from birth, between 6 and 15 years of age were sampled. This sampling was intentional non-probabilistic or special purposes. The Machover test, the family test and a questionnaire asking open and closed questions to describe illness perception were used.

Results:

As a result, it was evident that participants who have no knowledge of their diagnosis, unlike those who have gone through a disclosure process, have a disturbed self-image with tendencies to low self-esteem and poor self-concept. Likewise, conversations and drawings made by them showing tendency to loneliness, insecurity, and deterioration of family and interpersonal relationships, assuming a perception of negative illness, which can affect their personal and social development. Confirming Instone (2000) findings, Trejos, Reyes, Bahamón and Alarcon (2014), Pérez Quiroz, et al. (2013) and Ehrenzweig (2005).

Conclusion:

This study recognizes the importance of carrying out adequate diagnostic processes for children and adolescents affected with HIV, allowing the improvement of their quality of life and also, benefiting their psychosocial development, taking into account the normalization of psychological adjustment and preservation of therapeutic adherence. In accordance with international guidelines of HIV disclosure.

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