Factors associated with disclosure of HIV serostatus to sexual partners of patients receiving HIV care in Kabale, Uganda.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate factors independently associated with disclosure of HIV serostatus in the era of widespread access to antiretroviral agents (ARVs) among individuals receiving HIV care in Uganda.

METHODS

Between January 1 and August 31, 2009, 403 HIV-positive individuals attending Kabale Hospital in southwestern Uganda were interviewed about their sociodemographic characteristics; sexuality; contraceptive use and sexual behavior; and disclosure of HIV serostatus to sexual partners. Data regarding disclosure versus nondisclosure were analyzed to identify factors independently associated with disclosure of serostatus.

RESULTS

The study participants were predominantly female (74.0%). In all, 82.5% of the patients were receiving ARVs. Disclosure of HIV serostatus to regular sexual partners was reported by 50.9% of the participants, while 49.1% had chosen not to disclose their serostatus. Factors independently associated with nondisclosure were marital status; current use of ARVs; having children who had died (from any cause); being sexually active in the previous 6 months; and the number of sexual partners during the previous 6 months (P<0.05 for all associations). Fear of stigma was the main reason for nondisclosure of HIV serostatus.

CONCLUSION

Despite receiving treatment with ARVs, many of the study participants neither disclosed their own HIV serostatus nor knew the HIV serostatus of their sexual partners.