Sexual activity, Pattern and outcome of HIV+ sero-status disclosure to a significant other among men and women attendees of two HIV clinics in Abakaliki Ebonyi State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Context. HIV positive individuals continue to engage in sexual activities, especially during the early asymptomatic phase or when stabilised with anti-retroviral therapy. The potential risks associated with disclosure may lead them not to disclose status to 'significant others', especially sexual partners. Objective To assess the level of sexual activity, and the pattern and outcome of HIV positive status disclosure to a 'significant other'. Methodology This is a cross sectional descriptive study of all the patients seen from October 2008 to January 2010 in two HIV clinics in Abakaliki Nigeria. Result There were 63.3% sexually active people among the cohort. Of this, 37.4% had engaged in a recent sex act; 81.3% used condom during their last sex act; 94.6% disclosed their status to a 'significant other'; 20.5% suffered one form of discrimination or stigmatization following disclosure. Conclusion There is a high level of sexual activity with a corresponding high level of HIV status disclosure to a 'significant other' amongst this group. However, a significant proportion (20.5%) still suffered discrimination/ stigmatization following disclosure.

Key Words: Persons Living With HIV/AIDS; Sexual activity; Sero-status disclosure; Significant Other; Abakaliki Southeast Nigeria.