Disclosure Rate and the Associated Factors Among Adolescents Living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Gombe Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Disclosure of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) status is one of the major challenges in the management of children and adolescents living with HIV (CALHIV). Disclosure has been shown to positively impact adherence to antiretroviral therapy and retention in the care of CALHIV. With the increasing number of adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) and the peculiarities of adolescence, there is a need for local data on the disclosure of HIV status among ALHIV.

Objectives: To determine the disclosure rate in HIV infection and the associated factors among ALHIV in Gombe Metropolis.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over ten months among 130 ALHIVs aged 12-18 who attended Antiretroviral Therapy Clinics at the Federal Teaching Hospital and the State Specialist Hospital in Gombe, Nigeria. Disclosure of HIV status was assessed using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire administered to adolescents and their respective caregivers.

Results: The HIV status disclosure rate by caregivers' report and self-report was 66.2% and 63.1%, respectively. Older adolescents' age and higher level of education were significantly associated with disclosure (p < 0.05). The commonest reason for disclosure was 'increasing curiosity' (23/130; 26.7%), while 'being too young' was the commonest reason for non-disclosure (19/44; 43.2%).

Conclusion: The disclosure rate among ALHIV in Gombe Metropolis was relatively high. Caregivers should be encouraged to disclose early.