Determinants and outcomes of disclosing HIV-sero positive status to sexual partners among women in Mettu and Gore towns, Illubabor zone southwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Disclosing the HIV test result to a sexual partner is an important factor in HIV/AIDS prevention interventions. Disclosure of one's HIV status enables for improved access to prevention and treatment programmes, provides increased opportunities for risk reduction, and helps in planning for the future. An assessment of the barriers and outcomes for disclosure is necessary to enhance HIV test result disclosure among couples. Objective: To determine the rate, barriers, and outcomes of HIV positive status disclosure among sexual partners. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Mettu and Gore towns of Illubabor Zone, southwest Ethiopia between 15 September and 10 October 2004. Forty-two HIV-infected women who had sexual partners during the study period were interviewed. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Results: Overall, 69% of the women reported that they had shared their HIV test results with their partners. Among the women who did not disclose their HIV status, 62.5% stated that it was due to fear of partner's reaction (fear of abandonment, rejection and accusation of infidelity). However, 75.9% of the women reported positive partner's reaction after making the disclosure. Most (81.3%) women who had prior discussion about HIV and had HIV testing with their partners had disclosed their results (P<0.005). Condom use was also high among couples that disclosed their HIV status than those who did not (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study indicates that the outcomes of disclosure are encouraging. The anticipated partner reactions and the reality discovered by the study were different. Therefore, it is important to assure HIV-positive women that the benefits of disclosure outweigh the potential risks.