Serostatus disclosure to sexual partner by human immunodeficiency virus-positive clients receiving antiretroviral therapy in a tertiary health facility in Northwest Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Disclosure of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive status to sexual partner is crucial and helpful for treatment adherence, HIV transmission reduction, PMTCT interventions, partner testing and acceptance of referrals for HIV-related care, treatment and support. This study assessed the awareness, practices as well as factors associated with serostatus disclosure among HIV positive clients receiving anti-retroviral treatment in a tertiary health facility in northwest Nigeria. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 129 HIV positive clients receiving anti-retroviral therapy selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire containing open- and close-ended questions, and analyzed using SPSS Statistics version 21.0. Result: The mean age of respondents was 38.0 ± 10.6 years and most (89.9%) of the respondents were on antiretroviral therapy for more than one year. Majority of the respondents have a positive attitude to serostatus disclosure (67.4%) and have disclosed their serostatus to their partner (79.8%), but only 57.3% did so within one month of knowing their serostatus. Their main reason for disclosure were concern for partner's health (74.6%) while partners' reactions were supportive in 35% and understanding in 21.4% of respondents. Disclosure was high among those currently married (odds ratio = 0.075 96% confidence interval: 0.0230-0.237, P = 0.001) but there was no statistically significant association between disclosure and age, gender, religion, educational status and average monthly income. Conclusion: This study found a good partner disclosure rate of HIV serostatus among PLWHA receiving treatment at Nasara Clinic, ABUTH, and client's marital status as currently married was a significant factor that influenced disclosure rate.