Disclosure of HIV sero-status to sexual partners and behavior change among people living with HIV in Dokolo, Uganda

Abstract

Disclosure of HIV positive serostatus to sexual partners and/or close relatives and friends is an important public health strategy that offers a number of benefits to the individual and the community. Self-disclosure of HIV positive persons to sexual partners is generally thought to have beneficial effects on an individual’s health including lowering stress levels, which leads to better psychological and physical health. Disclosure also facilitates behaviors that may improve the management of HIV such as increased participation in PMTCT programs and improved adherence to Anti Retriviral Theraphy (ART) treatment. This study sought to assess the extent to which PLHIV in Dokolo district disclose their HIV/AIDS Sero Status to sexual partners and how disclosure influences behavior change among PLHIV at Dokolo health center IV, Uganda. A sequential exploratory mixed methods design utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods across three sequential research phases was employed for the study and was conducted over two months’ period (June-July 2019). The study shows that HIV disclosure remains a challenge in Dokolo district with only 41% PLHIV disclosing their sero status to their sexual partners. HIV sero status disclosure to sexual partners is often complex, because of multiple barriers related to fear of blame, stigmatization, and fear of discrimination. Disclosure of HIV sero status was found to influence behavior change positively and Health systems and social factors were found to moderate disclosure of HIVsero status. HIV prevention strategies in Uganda should therefore focus on promotion and scaling the implementation of Assisted Partners Notification (APN) to promote couples and sexual partners testing, disclposure , and promote positive behaviour changes. Health workers should be trained on the implementation of APN guidelines.