Positive Status Disclosure and Sexual Risk Behavior Changes among People Living with HIV in the Northern Region of Ghana

Abstract

Objective: To investigate sexual behavior changes adopted by People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV) on Antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the Northern Region of Ghana. Methods: We employed a cross-sectional survey with a questionnaire to collect data from 900 clients from 9 major ART centers within the region. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were applied to the data. Results: More than 50% of PLHIV on ART use condoms, reduce sexual partners, practice abstinence, reduce unprotected sex with married/regular partners, and avoid casual sex. Fear of others getting to know patients’ HIV-positive status (χ2 = 7.916, p = 0.005), stigma (χ2 = 5.201, p = 0.023), and fear of loss of family support (χ2 = 4.211, p = 0.040) significantly predict non-disclosure of HIV-positive status among the participants. Change in sexual behavior is influenced by the following: “to avoid spreading the disease to others” (R2 = 0.043, F (1, 898) = 40.237, p < 0.0005), “to avoid contracting other STIs” (R2 = 0.010, F (1, 898) = 8.937, p < 0.0005), “to live long” (R2 = 0.038, F (1, 898) = 35.816, p < 0.0005), “to hide HIV-positive status” (R2 = 0.038, F (1, 898) = 35.587, p < 0.0005), “to achieve good results from ART treatment” (R2 = 0.005, F (1, 898) = 4. 282, p < 0.05), and “to live a Godly life” (R2 = 0.023, F (1, 898) = 20. 880, p < 0.0005). Conclusions: High self-disclosure rate of HIV-positive status was identified, with participants disclosing to their spouses or parents. Reasons for disclosure and non-disclosure differed from person to person.

Risky sexual practice and associated factors among adult people living with HIV/AIDS in public hospitals of Kembata Tambaro Zone, Southern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

“…The relationship between HIV status disclosure and risky sexual behaviours is complex and is influenced by various individual, interpersonal and contextual factors 8 19 20. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms through which disclosure influences sexual behaviours and the long-term impact on HIV prevention outcomes 20 21…”

Nondisclosure of HIV-positive Status: A Cross-sectional Survey in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana

“…Counseling is necessary even before an HIV test is performed due to the psychological stress that comes with learning one is HIVpositive [1]. Research by Sanga et al [2] and Kabriku et al [3] emphasizes the importance of educating HIV-positive individuals on the bene ts of disclosing their status. Despite counseling and education efforts, not everyone who is diagnosed with HIV chooses to disclose their positive status.…”