Study on spousal notification in HIV discordant couples and associated factors in four provinces of China

Abstract

This study was aimed to investigate the ways of spousal notification and its associated factors among HIV discordant couples. A face-to-face questionnaire survey was conducted in Henan, Yunnan, Sichuan provinces and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in China. Information including democratic characteristics, knowledge and behaviors correlated with HIV infections and ways of HIV infectious status notification was collected. 'Data information system' on AIDS prevention and control was used to collect information on the transmission route. A total of 770 pairs of HIV discordant couples were studied, among which 414 (53.77%) HIV positive respondents reported as self-notification, with another 44.68% were notified by medical staff. Factors associated with ways of notification included gender, nation, transmission route, and education level. HIV positive respondents who were female, under Han nationality, being paid blood donors, having had higher education level, were more likely to inform their HIV negative spouse by themselves. Nationality and HIV transmission route of the HIV positive individuals were found as significant factors associated with ways of spousal notification. Therefore, HIV discordant couples notification should be strengthened, especially in the Minority-living areas and areas where HIV transmission was predomint through sexual contact and/or via injected drug use.