Factors influencing partner disclosure of HIV seropositive status among women attending ante-retroviral clinics in Osun State, Nigeria, 2016

Abstract

Introduction : disclosure of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) sero-status is reportedly low in low-income countries especially among women. Pregnant women require special support to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission and to adopt effective management strategies. We compared the disclosure status and factors affecting willingness for disclosure in pregnant and non-pregnant women in Osun State, South-West Nigeria. Methods : we conducted a comparative cross-sectional survey of 235 pregnant and non-pregnant women each from Anti-Retroviral Clinics in Osun State, Nigeria. We selected respondents from private and public facilities; with secondary and tertiary facilities selected from the public owned facilities in September 2016 using a two-stage sampling technique. We collected data with a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. We analyzed data with chi-square and logistic re/b>: HIV status disclosure was 84.3% (198) among pregnant compared with 60.0% (141) in non-pregnant respondents (p Conclusion : disclosure of HIV seropositive status was higher among pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women due to attention placed on prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Information, Education and Communication materials on the need to disclose HIV status were provided to respondents. We recommend more intense health education campaign, couple counselling and involvement of partners in patients’ care.