Predictors of HIV status disclosure to sexual partners among People living with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia

INTRODUCTION: Disclosure of HIV positive sero-status to sexual partners, friends or relatives is useful for prevention and care. Identifying factors associated with disclosure is a research priority as a high proportion of people living with HIV/AIDS never disclose in Ethiopia. This study was carried out to assess the magnitude and factors associated of HIV seropositive status disclosure to sexual partners among peoples living with HIV/AIDS. METHODS: A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted April-June, 2010, among systematically selected 334 HIV patients attending at Woldia hospital, Ethiopia. Data were collected through pre-tested questionnaire, using exit interview. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to identify associated factors for disclosing their HIV seropostive status to sexual partner. RESULTS: One hundred nineteen nine (59.6%) was females, 218(65%) was from urban area, 297(85.8%) are on antiretroviral therapy. The study found a significant association between higher educational status of the respondents (AOR:0.4; 95%CI (0.17-0.92)) and sexual partners (AOR: 9.0; 95% CI(2.8-29.3)), knowing HIV status of sexual partner (AOR:8.1; 95%CI(3.4 -19.2)), being on antiretroviral therapy (AOR:7.9; 95%CI(3.42-18.5)), having follow up counseling (AOR:5.26; 95%CI(2.2-12.5)), and being tested for HIV in ante natal care clinic (AOR:0.21; 95%CI(1.14- 6.46)) with disclosure of HIV status to sexual partner. CONCLUSION: The study concluded the need for giving more emphasis for the patients who are not on antiretroviral therapy and the need for giving emphasis on techniques how to disclose status to sexual partner.