Disclosure Pattern and Its Determinants among Patients Attending Anti-Retroviral Clinics in a North Central Capital City in Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

Background: It has been observed that contributory factors such as unprotected sexual intercourse and vertical transmission of HIV to the unborn child during childbirth still occur among women living with HIV.HIV status disclosure has also been found to lead to improved access to HIV prevention and treatment programmes. Methodology: The study was a descriptive cross sectional study using quantitative and qualitative data collection tools. Four hundred patients were recruited for the study and systematic sampling was used to select respondents at each treatment centre. Data was collected using a semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire and a patient focus group discussion (FGD) guide. Results: The age of the respondents ranged from 20 to 70 years and 75.5% of the respondents were females. More than three-quarters of respondents (77%) had disclosed their status to their partners. Status disclosure to sexual partners was higher among respondents who were currently living with their partners (87.1%, p=<0.001). Conclusion: The study recommended that Government, partners and multilateral agencies needs to consider establishing empowerment schemes for women and men living with HIV to enable them live economic viable lives and avoid using economic means as a determinant of status disclosure.