Types and predictors of partner reactions to HIV status disclosure among HIVinfected adult Nigerians in a tertiary hospital in the Niger Delta

Abstract

Background and objective: Our aim was to describe the types and determinants of partner reactions to HIV-status disclosure among adults attending an antiretroviral therapy-(ART) clinic in the Bayelsa State, Nigeria Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken between January and March 2013 among consecutive adult patients who had disclosed their HIV-status to their current sexual partner. Sociodemograhic data and types of initial and subsequent partner reactions to disclosure were obtained using interviewer-administered standardized-questionnaire. Independent determinants of reactions to disclosure were ascertained by unconditional logistic regression. Results: Out of 123 study participants, 57.7% were females, 92% were receiving ART and 86.1% were currently married. Majority of the participants reported predominant positive or supportive initial (72.4%) and subsequent (89.5%) partner reactions to disclosure, with significant increase in positive reactions over time. Positive initial partner reactions were independently associated with prior post-test counselling-(Odds ratio [OR]-6.5, 95% Confidence interval [CI]-1.3-31.6-p=0.02), age>35years-(OR-5.8, 95% CI-1.6-20.9-p=0.008) and being healthy at time of disclosure-(OR-7.8, 95% CI-1.7-35.4-p=0.008). Subsequent positive partner reactions were significantly associated with receiving antiretroviral therapy and having only one lifetime sexual partner. Conclusion: Our results indicate that partner reactions to HIV-status disclosure are predominantly supportive. Disclosure counselling and early initiation of ART may be effective in improving HIV-status disclosure in Nigeria.

HIV Status Disclosure to Sexual Partner(s) and Associated Factors Among Young Adults, A Mixed Methods Study

“…We show HIV post-test counselling to be associated with HIV status disclosure. This conforms with other findings from previous studies by Kadowa and Nuwaha in Uganda [7], Deribe et al in Ethiopia [8], Ogoina et al in Nigeria [9] and Idindili et al in Tanzania [10]. Obermeyer et al reviewed facilitators of HIV status disclosure across diverse settings and their findings suggested that structural changes, including making more services available, could facilitate HIV disclosure as much as individual approaches and counseling do [11].…”

Factors influencing HIV disclosure among people living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria: a systematic review using narrative synthesis and meta-analysis

“…We have also identified three studies [34][35][36] which were published after the review was conducted. Following the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines, these are noted as 'awaiting classification' and were included in the review update (see Table 5).…”

HIV status disclosure to male partners among rural Nigerian women along the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV cascade: a mixed methods study

“…Disclosure to a male partner may occur later or not at all [ 28 , 29 ]. Despite pre-disclosure fears, many women who disclose report surprisingly positive reactions and support from family and male partners [ 6 , 12 , 15 , 17 , 21 , 22 , 30 , 31 ]. Nonetheless, negative consequences have also been reported [ 6 , 12 , 15 , 17 , 18 , 21 , 26 , 27 ].…”