The purpose of this study was to identify why PLWH exclude
individuals from their chosen families. The most common
reasons PLWH excluded individuals from their chosen
families were physical and emotional distance; followed by
nonsupport, nonacceptance, and harm; conditional caring and
trust; and no blood/familial relationship. Demographic and
personal characteristics (ie, gender, race) were not related to
the exclusion of individuals from their chosen families. These
themes emphasize that distance, both emotional and physical,
and a lack of support, acceptance, caring, and trust are reasons
why PLWH exclude other individuals from their chosen
families.