Prevalence and Factors Associated with HIV Status Disclosure among Pregnant and Lactating Women on Antiretroviral Treatment after Rollout of Option B Plus in Urban Moshi Tanzania

Abstract

Objective: At the first antenatal visit, HIV counseling and testing are offered to all pregnant women in Tanzania. HIV-infected women are encouraged to disclose their status to the partner. The objective of this study was to determine prevalence and factors associated with HIV status disclosure among pregnant and lactating women on antiretroviral therapy after rollout of Option B plus in urban Moshi.
 Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to August 2015. Participants were recruited from 4 health facilities in urban Moshi. All HIV-infected women aged 18 years and above attending Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) clinic were invited to participate. However, pregnant women who receive their test results on the day of enrollment were excluded. The interviews were conducted in Kiswahili language using an interview schedule.
 Results: A total of 167 HIV-positive pregnant and lactating women were enrolled in this study. Overall, the prevalence of HIV status disclosure was 74.9%. Most women were married 121 (72.5%) and had primary education 96 (57.5%). Factors that were significantly associated with HIV status disclosure to partner are disclosure counselling (APR=2.11; 95% IC: 1.58-2.84), knowing partner's HIV status (APR=2.16; 95% CI: 1.61- 2.90) and living together with their partner (APR=2.17; 95% IC: 1.61-3.03).
 Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of HIV status disclosure to partner. Knowing partner’s status was significantly associated with disclosure. Partner involvement and disclosure counseling is key in HIV disclosure.