FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO NON-DISCLOSURE OF HIV POSITIVE STATUS AMONG SEXUAL PARTNERS ATTENDING ART CLINIC AT KYANAMUKAAKA HEALTH CENTRE IV, MASAKA DISTRICT-UGANDA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background:

Globally, it is estimated that non-discloser among HIV-positive clients account for a third of new HIV infections. Positive HIV results disclosure plays a significant role in the successful prevention and care of HIV-infected patients. It provides significant social and health benefits to the individual and the community. Non-disclosure is one of the contextual factors driving the HIV epidemic in Uganda.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study using quantitative and qualitative methods among HIV-positive serostatus sexual partners attending the ART clinic at Kyamukaaka Health Centre IV was done and simple random sampling techniques were used to obtain 60 participants.

Results:

Most participants (56%) thought it was not important to disclose their HIV status to their partner(s). Among reasons for non-disclosure included 51.2% having fears of divorce/separation, 23.3% of accusations of infidelity, 13.9% having fears of loss of support, 6.9% of stigma and discrimination, and 4.7% having fears of violence respectively. Among reasons for disclosure 60.9% thought it was important to disclose so as to get support, 26.1% for the partner to get tested as well, and 13% disclosed to protect their partner(s). The other factors associated with disclosure included 61.5% being aged between 26-35 years, 36(69.2%) being females 28(53.8%) of the respondents had attained a primary level of education 29(55.8%) being married, 12(23.1%) were divorced/separated, 38(73.1%) were in monogamous marriage, while 26.9% were polygamously married.

 Conclusion.

Although most participants acknowledged that disclosing their HIV status to their partner was important, a large number of participants had not disclosed their HIV status. There is a need to optimize disclosure merits to enable increased participation in treatment and support programs. Therefore, increasing awareness campaigns on the benefits of HIV-serostatus disclosure among individuals, cultures, and the general public is highly recommended.