Factors that promote HIV disclosure among women attending prevention of mother-to-child transmission in a state in South Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: About 50% of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) (PLWHA) and in couple relationships have HIV-negative partners, and some of them have not disclosed their status to their sexual partners. As a result of this, new infections occur in sero-discordant relationships. Disclosure is important in couple's relationships. It promotes HIV testing of the partner, encourages HIV risk reduction practices, increases opportunity for social support and ultimately, facilitate long-term plans to ensure HIV prevention and management. The aim of the study is to assess factors in couples' relationship that determine the disclosure of HIV status for HIV pregnant women to their sexual partners.Material and methods: This is a descriptive, cross sectional study among HIV-positive women accessing prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services in South state in Nigeria over a 3-month period. Data was collated with self-administered structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS 21.Results: A total of 255 HIV-positive women recruited from PMTCT clinics participated in this study, of which 74.5% had disclosed their status to their sexual partners. Logistic regression should have significant relationship for HIV disclosure promotion in duration of marriage (OR = 7.0; CI: 1.3-38.5), knowledge of partner status (OR = 14.3; CI: 1.2-170.5), partner status and belief in the partners' support if disclosed (OR = 5.8;. Conclusions:This study shows that there are factors in HIV-infected couples' relationships that promote HIV disclosure to partners. These factors include duration of marriage, belief that partners will support following disclosure, and knowledge of partners' HIV status irrespective of sero-discordance. These factors should be considered in couples' counseling in order to encourage HIV disclosure.

Growing Up with HIV: Experiences of Transition from Adolescence to Adulthood at Selected Primary Health Facilities in Limpopo Province, South Africa

“…ALWHIV face many more challenges than those without the disease. Amid strict parental consent laws and regulations [17], ALWHIV still undergo physical, psychological, and sexual development; they regularly deal with complex developmental, psychological, and sex concerns (Lowenthal et al) [18]. They should often be involved in decision making, policies, and programmes, which involve their needs to have a sense of belonging.…”