Percentages, process, and patterns of HIV disclosure among the spouses of HIV-infected men in south India.

Suhadev, M.; Mahadevan, U.; Dilip, M.; Suryanarayanan, D.; Rajasekaran, S.; Thomas, B.

Journal of International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care; 2011; 10:26-29.

Abstract: Most studies have described the outcome of HIV status disclosure rather than the process of disclosure. Hence, a study was conducted among 201 women who accompanied their spouses and children to 3 hospitals at Chennai and Vellore , Tamil Nadu, India , during January to June 2007. Majority of the respondents were sero-positive (69%) and marriage was the only risk factor for them. Of 201 women, 49% did not know the reason for their husbands' HIV infection. Confidentiality of the patient was often breached during disclosure as family members were drawn into the process without consulting the patient. Only for 117 (50%) respondents, HIV diagnosis was disclosed directly by the health providers. There was a considerable delay for men in disclosing their HIV status to their spouses. Apart from the spouses, 122 (61%) shared their diagnosis with other family members. Disgrace to self and family (54%), fear of discrimination (27%), and fear of rejection (9%) were reported for nondisclosure.

Keywords: Disclosure of HIV status; wives of HIV-infected persons; Tamilnadu; India

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