Predictors of disclosure of sero-status to sexual partners among people living with HIV/AIDS in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Disclosure may reduce the transmission of HIV by raising awareness and decreasing risky behavior, thus status disclosure is an issue to be addressed for HIV prevention and treatment. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and determinants of HIV status disclosure to sexual partners among People Living with HIV/ AIDS (PLWAs) in Ogun state, Nigeria.

Materials and methods: This study is an analytical cross-sectional study. A sample of people living with HIV/AIDS attending secondary health facilities in Ogun State were recruited into the study.

Results: Of the total 637 interviewed, 324 (50.9%) indicated that they have disclosed to their main sexual partner. About 44.6% of the respondents reported that they do not know their partner's HIV status, while 30.3% had a negative partner and 25.1% with HIV-positive partners. Among the participants who disclosed their HIV status, 17.3% disclosed on the day of receiving test result, 15.5% within two weeks, 9.7% in 2 to 4 weeks, 8.3% in 1 or more months. Predictors of disclosure were individuals who were married [OR = 4.52, CI = 2.06-9.92] living within monogamous family [OR = 1.67, CI = 1.10-2.53], had anticipation of partner's support before disclosure [OR = 3.68, CI = 2.36-5.76] with knowledge of partner's sero-status either positive [OR = 4.08, CI = 2.62-6.35] or negative [OR = 2.49, C.I = 1.59-3.90] and had a low self-esteem [OR = 0.61, CI = 0.42-0.89].

Conclusion: Disclosure rate was low in this African population. The study implies that PLWAs especially those having a difficult family life should be supported to make effective decisions to disclose their status. HIV sero-status should be addressed in behavioral interventions like counseling on positive living and a multidisciplinary approach to develop positive self-esteem through follow-up counseling.