Determinants and Rate of Self-Disclosure of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Sero-Status among People Living with Hiv/Aids Attending Antiretroviral Therapy Clinic of a Tertiary Hospital in North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Background and objective: Disclosure of human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) sero-status is a difficult process that involves communication of information about a potentially stigmatizing and transmissible illness. Despite this, it is important for preventing HIV infection and mitigating its impacts. This study aimed to assess the rate and determinants of self-disclosure of HIV sero-status among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) attending an Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Clinic in North Central Nigeria with a view to promoting self- disclosure as an intervention for secondary prevention of HIV/AIDS.

Methods: It was a cross-sectional study involving 325 consenting adults aged 18 to 65 years PLHIV attending ART clinic who were recruited using systematic random sampling method. Data collected from the participants include socio-demographic data and medical history. The rate and factors affecting self-disclosure of HIV sero-status were obtained by using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 Results: Most of the participants (66.2%) were females. 96% of the participants had disclosed their HIV sero-status. Self-disclosure of HIV sero-status had statistically significant association with age (c2 = 12.614; p = 0.027) and gender (c2 = 4.638; p = 0.031).

Conclusion: Self-disclosure of HIV sero-status was high among the participants. Being female and within 15-44 year age group were statistically significant factors associated with disclosure of HIV sero-status. Multiple counselling sessions are needed to improve disclosure particularly in males and older PLHIV as self-disclosure of HIV sero-status is a process that requires ongoing support and encouragement.