International Archives of Medicine and Medical Sciences (IAMMS), pISSN: 2705-1404; eISSN: 2705-1412
November to December 2019 Vol 1(3): pp.20-28    DOI: https://doi.org/10.33515/iamms/2019.030/30

Copyright © 2019 C-International Archives

Original Article

Perception and predictors of HIV status disclosure among people living with HIV/AIDS in Sokoto, Nigeria

Ismaila Ahmed-Mohammed1*, Mohammed T. Ibrahim1,2, Kehinde J. Awosan1,2,

Hindatu M. Tukur3, Maryam M. Ahmad4

1Department of Community Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria

2Department of Community Health, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria

3Department of Family Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria

4Department of Nursing Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria*Corresponding Author’s Email: ismaila.ahmed2007@gmail.com

 

Published December 31, 2019


ABSTRACT

Background: Non-disclosure of HIV status particularly in the developing countries where large proportions of new HIV infections occur within HIV sero-discordant couples is a serious threat to HIV/AIDS prevention and control in these countries. Aim: This study was conducted to examine the perception and predictors of HIV status disclosure among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Sokoto, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among 381 PLWHA (selected by systematic sampling technique) accessing treatment and care in the health facilities across the three levels of care in Sokoto metropolis, Nigeria. A semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on the research variables. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 22 statistical computer software package. Results: Less than half 138 (39.3%) of the 370 respondents that completed the questionnaire perceived it necessary to disclose their HIV status to somebody. Of these, the majority (52.1%) perceived the risks associated with disclosure to be more than the benefits, and considered fear of the consequences (59.4%) as the major barrier to the practice. A little above half of respondents (55.9%) disclosed their HIV positive status to someone. Of these, only about a third (36.7%) disclosed to their spouses or partners; and being counseled on status disclosure and receiving financial support from their spouses or partners were the predictors of HIV status disclosure among the respondents. Conclusion: The findings of this study underscore the need for HIV/AIDS care providers to give sufficient attention to counseling on disclosure in the care of PLWHA, while all stakeholders should intensify awareness campaigns on the need for their spouses or partners to give them the necessary financial and emotional support.

Keywords: HIV status disclosure, perception, predictors, PLWHA

 

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