Table 2.

Focus group findings on the motivators to HIV disclosure

Motivators	Samples quotes
Coping with illness	‘For my first sister, I was frustrated whether I should tell her and how I should tell her so that she wouldn’t be sad … But after I disclosed to her, I was relieved. My sister was very supportive. She and I care for each other.’ (Female PLH, 37 years old)
	‘After I disclosed to my parents, I felt so free and relieved. And I was able to openly go to the hospital to get medications without making up excuses. It was much easier to cope with my illness. I felt like a big rock was lifted off my chest.’ (Female PLH, 33 years old)
Seeking help	‘Now, I can live happily because of my siblings and my family … They have given me moral support. For example, when I got sick, my grandma told me not to work too hard. She reminded me to think about my child, and thinking about my child’s future gave me strength to fight against difficulties. Nowadays, I am healthy both physically and mentally. I ask for help from my friends and family.’ (Female PLH, 36 years old)
	‘My friends used to talk to me that no matter what I suffered from, they will not be disgusted at me because I am their friend. I thought that my friends could accept me. I felt that I could ask for help. After I disclosed, my friends and my parents gave me moral support and helped me with my daily chores.’ (Male PLH, 35 years old)
	‘I told my older sister … I mean, getting infected with this is a serious matter. My health would get worse and worse and I was concerned about my child. And I knew that my sister is the one who would take care of my child. Now, I’m doing much better because I take ARV from the hospital and my sister helps me everyday to remind me about the medicine and she helps me with my child.’ (Female PLH, 37 years old)
Common experiences	‘After I found out about my infection, the doctor told me about the Sunshine Support Group for PLH at the hospital. At first, I dared not go because I was afraid others might find out I have AIDS. But after I told my sister, I decided to join the group. The support group is great because we all have common problems and we all struggle with same issues. So we help each other out and we meet more than once a month. I rely on them and they rely on me.’ (Female PLH, 34 years old)
	‘After I disclosed to Khun HH, I found out that she also has a young son, just like me. She shared her experience telling her son about her infection and what helped her through the process. Talking to her helped a great deal to come up with a plan to tell my son about my disease. I have not told my son about my infection but I feel more ready because Khun HH shared her experience about telling her son. Her son now helps her with stuff around the house.’ (Female PLH, 38 years old)