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 (2 = 12.614; p = 0.027) and gender (2 = 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. WAJM 2019; 36(3): 246–252.