HEALTH DISCLOSURE IN FAMILIES: EXPLORING COMMUNICATION PRIVACY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES IN PORT HARCOURT
Keywords:
Health Disclosure, Families, Communication, Privacy Management, StrategiesAbstract
Health disclosure within families is a critical yet complex aspect of interpersonal communication, particularly in culturally diverse regions such as Rivers State, Nigeria. This study explores how families manage the sharing of sensitive health information, drawing on the theoretical lens of Communication Privacy Management (CPM) theory. The objectives of this study are to investigate the communication strategies families in Port Harcourt use when discussing health-related issues among themselves; examine the cultural, interpersonal, and psychological factors that influence health information disclosure within family settings; and assess the impact of communication privacy management strategies on family relationships and health outcomes in Port Harcourt. This study employed qualitative research design, utilizing in-depth interview and secondary data sources to explore patterns of health disclosure within families in Port Harcourt. Findings reveal that families in Rivers State utilize a mix of direct, mediated, and digital communication strategies, often guided by implicit privacy rules and shaped by stigma, trust, and generational norms. The study concludes that effective boundary coordination where families negotiate and respect privacy preferences can foster emotional closeness and timely health interventions. Conversely, boundary turbulence, such as unauthorized disclosures or concealment, may lead to relational strain and delayed treatment. These insights underscore the need for culturally sensitive health communication interventions and the integration of CPM principles into public health messaging and counselling services.
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