"My Life is Spoiled Because of Him…" A Qualitative Study of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Disclosure and Male Involvement in Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission Program.

Abstract

Background:India has the third largest human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic in the world, with 15,000 newborns infected every year. Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services can eliminate new HIV infections. Nondisclosure of positive HIV status and nonoptimal uptake of PMTCT are related. Therefore, understanding different aspects of HIV disclosure are necessary for program managers and careproviders for prevention and support.Objective:The present research explores HIV disclosure narratives, the family's perspective, and theoretical framework in the context of PMTCT.Methods:A qualitative study was conducted among 31 (16 mothers and 15 fathers) utilizers of PMTCT at an urban antiretroviral therapy center. A semi-structured in-depth interview guide based on disclosure process model (DPM) was used to explore HIV disclosure goals and outcomes by both members of parental dyad. The recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim, translated into English, and analyzed with Atlas.ti software. Directed content analysis was used to code data according to “a priori” and emerging themes. Demographic data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.Results:Limited disclosure is a necessity for pregnant women and their male partners for approach coping with HIV diagnosis and pursuing positive support for PMTCT adherence. Interpersonal, society, and community contextual outcomes affect the care uptake and future likelihood of disclosure.Conclusions:DPM suggestions from the present study can be used to facilitate a goal-directed process that allows parents/PLWHA to selectively disclose their HIV status to family members and acquaintances for obtaining maximum support to eliminate newborn HIV infections while minimizing distress, stigma, and discrimination.