A comparative study of pattern of HIV status disclosure among people living with HIV in peer support and non-support groups in Enugu, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction Disclosure of HIV status has been proven to be useful for prevention and care of PLWHIV. Methods A comparative cross sectional study among 300 PLWHIV who are peer support group users and non support group users. Results Voluntary disclosure rates to members of one’s social network in peer support and non-peer support group members was found to be 124 (82.7%) and 117 (78.0%) respectively. Voluntary disclosure to current sexual partners was higher in PLWHIV who were not members of peer support groups. For peer support group members, their main motivator for disclosure was to receive support while for those who were not members, it was to prevent spread of infection. The preferred method of disclosure to sexual partners in both groups was the passive notification method Conclusion The pattern of HIV status disclosure differed in participants in both groups. Therefore, when facilitating disclosure this should be taken into consideration.