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.
