Prevalence of Disclosure of HIV/AIDS Status and Associated Factors Among Partners at Infectious Disease Institute (IDI) Mulago.

Abstract

Background-Prevalence of disclosure of HIV/AIDS status among infected has a key role in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS. Hence understanding the reasons for disclosure and nondisclosure and how these reasons differ by disclosure target is needed for effective prevention interventions. Objective-To determine the prevalence of disclosure of HIV/AIDS status and factors affecting disclosure among HIV positive partners in IDI, Mulago. Methodology-A cross sectional study was conducted among HIV positive partners at IDI, Mulago using semi structured and structured interviews with stratification by gender and age. After explaining purpose of the survey, data collection was done until the required sample was obtained. Results-A total of 376 patients in IDI clinic were interviewed. The majority, 326/376 (86.7%) of the respondents had disclosed their sero status to their partners. Disclosure of sero status depended on Gender (x2=5.02 P<0.05).Age (x2= 94.6, P<0.001), Marital status (x2= 20.25, P<0.02), Religion (x2=4.55. P<0.02) Education level (x2=30.66 P<0.001). Occupation (x2=7.72. P<0.005).Severity of illness (x2=6.73. P<0.02). Prior communication (x2=30.23, P<0.001), Knowing partners status (x2= 212.78.P<0.01). Type of partners (x2= 10.48.P<0.01) Partners HIV status (x2= 26.02. P<0.001). Partners educational level (x2= 16.14.P<0.01) and Knowledge on disclosure (x2= 16.14.P<0.01) Conclusion-The prevalence of disclosure of HIV serostatus to sexual partners was high and depended mainly on individuals sex, age group, marital status, religion, severity of illness, prior communication with the partner before testing, knowing partner’s HIV status, type of sexual relationship, partner’s HIV status, partner’s educational level and partner’s knowledge on disclosure. Although the finding may serve as the baseline data on the rate of HIV disclosure in IDI further data on disclosure will be needed to determine the rate. outcome and status disclosure in the study area Recommendation-Much as the rate of disclosure was high, repeated counseling. Community-based outreaches. Drama-based communication and peer support are important to recognize some of the disclosure barriers to sexual partners.