Status and associated characteristics of HIV disclosure among people living with HIV/AIDS in Liangshan, China: A cross-sectional study

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disclosure is a prerequisite to get access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and social support. Increased disclosure of HIV status has been shown to reduce mother-to-child transmission and high-risk sexual behaviors. Limited studies were conducted to get an insight into HIV disclosure among people living with HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) (PLWHA) in Liangshan. Our study aimed to investigate the status and associated characteristics of HIV disclosure among PLWHA in Liangshan. We conducted a cross-sectional study using a stratified, convenience sampling method from August to December in 2017. All of the participants were from Liangshan, a typical impoverished mountainous area which also has a long history of drug production and drug trade. Each participant completed a structured questionnaire including HIV disclosure status, demographic and HIV-related characteristics, social support, and perceived HIV-related stigma. We performed a binary regression analysis to detect associated characteristics of HIV disclosure among PLWHA in Liangshan. A final sample size of 318 participants was included in this study. The overall prevalence of HIV disclosure was 83.6% (266/318). In binary logistic regression analysis, PLWHA who had higher educational levels, and got infected by sexual transmission were less likely to disclose their HIV status (both P < .05). HIV nondisclosure was correlated with a higher level of perceived HIV-related stigma (P < .01). The prevalence of HIV disclosure was relatively low in Liangshan. Healthcare workers are suggested to conduct more counseling and education to promote safe sexual behaviors and reduce perceived stigma among PLWHA, then enhance HIV serostatus disclosure.