Factors influencing non-disclosure of HIV/AIDs positive status to sexual partners, family and friends among adult persons living with HIV/AIDs attending Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital CCC in Nairobi County

Abstract

Objective. To determine factors influencing non-disclosure of HIV/AIDs positive status to sexual partners, family, and friends among adult persons living with HIV/AIDs attending Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital Comprehensive Care Centre.

Study design. Analytical cross-sectional study design.

Setting. Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital Comprehensive Care Centre.

Subjects. The study population was one hundred and thirteen clients attending Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital Comprehensive Care Centre in the month of February 2022.

Main outcome measures. Psychological, cultural, socio-economic, and behavioural factors influencing non-disclosure of HIV/AIDs positive status to sexual partners, family, and friends.

Results. The prevalence of HIV status disclosure was 54.0%. The most common outcome of disclosure was rejection/stigma/discrimination (59.7%). The majority, 68.6% associated fear of blame/stigma/shame/discrimination and fear of divorce/abandonment or rejection as the most common reasons for non-disclosure. Married respondents and those that had a duration of illness (HIV/AIDs) of 5-9 years were 4.626 (P=0.037) and 4.408 (P=0.006) times, respectively, more likely to disclose their positive HIV status.

Participants who had undergone counselling for disclosure were 11.574 times more likely to disclose their HIV-positive status (P=0.038). Most respondents (n=71; 62.8%) believed that the community/church perceives PLHIV as immoral. Moreover, disclosure was not associated with condom use (P=0.197).

Conclusion. The incidence of HIV status disclosure at the CCC is relatively low compared to other jurisdictions. Although some receive overwhelming support after disclosure, most experience negative outcomes, while others are overwhelmed by the fear of these experiences. Therefore, there is a need for healthcare providers to promote a ‘prevention with positive’ strategy.