Background: Disclosure of one’s HIV status to a sexual partner can have significant health
implications. From a health promotion point of view, disclosure is seen as a cornerstone for
the prevention of HIV transmission between partners. Despite its importance as a strategy for
controlling the spread of HIV, there are challenges that inhibit voluntary disclosure.
Objectives: In exploring factors associated with disclosure of HIV status, the study had two
complementary objectives related to: (1) investigation of participants’ views about HIVpositive
status disclosure to sexual partners; and (2) a broader identification of factors that
influence disclosure of HIV-positive status.
Method: The study explored factors associated with disclosure of the HIV status of people
living with HIV to their sexual partners. Purposive sampling was used to select 13 participants
living with HIV who attended a wellness clinic. Primary data were collected via an in-depth
interview with each of the participants.
Results: The exploration showed that male participants were notably more reluctant to disclose
to their sexual partners for fear of rejection; and secrecy was commonly reported around
sexual matters. Female participants (who were in the majority) were relatively more willing
to disclose their HIV status to their sexual partners. Despite the complexity of disclosure, all
participants understood the importance of disclosure to their sexual partners.
Conclusion: There is a need for HIV prevention strategies to focus on men in particular, so
as to strengthen disclosure counselling services provided to people living with HIV and to
advocate strongly for partner testing.Health Studie
