[Self-disclosure of a HIV-positive serostatus: factors favoring disclosure and consequences for persons living with HIV/AIDS in Burkina Faso]

Abstract

Disclosure of HIV-serostatus remains a way to avoid sexual transmission of HIV because it allows partners to take the necessary protective measures, e.g. use of condoms. Disclosure is nevertheless difficult due to the discrimination associated with HIV. The objective of this study was to analyze factors leading to self-disclosure of HIV-positive status within a sample of persons of both sexes attending different healthcare services in Burkina Faso.

Methodology: Cross-sectional study conducted by interviewing 740 patients in 26 healthcare services. Univariate (Chi(2) test) and multivariate (logistic regression) analyses were performed. The significance level was 5%. Qualitative data on factors associated with self-disclosure of HIV-positive status were analyzed.

Results: The majority of the patients (81.4%) informed at least one person who was very often a close relative (descendant, ascendant and sibling) or the partner. At multivariate analysis, HIV-serostatus was associated with using antiretroviral treatment, (OR=0.40, 95% CI: 0.3-0.7, P<0.001), known HIV-serostatus for at least one year (OR=0.6; 95% CI: 0.4-0.9), living in couple (2.3; 95% CI: 1.4-3.8).

Conclusion: In a context limiting HIV testing due to the fear of social stigma, these results appear to be in favor of the Voluntary Counseling Testing model with a focus on the couple and/or families.