Factors influencing marital stability among HIV discordant couples in northern Thailand
Tangmunkongvorakul, A.; Celentano, D.D.; Burke, J.G.; de Boer, M.A.; Wongpan, P.; Suriyanon, V.
Aids Care 11(5): 511-524
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0954-0121 PMID: 10755027 DOI: 10.1080/09540129947677Document Number: 523999
This study investigates the factors influencing marital stability among HIV discordant couples in northern Thailand. The influence of HIV notification on marital partnerships was compared between 6 separated or divorced couples and 13 couples whose relationship remained intact after positive HIV diagnosis of the husband through in-depth interviews. An ethnographic field guide was used in the interview, which addressed premarital background, marital relationships, and changes in the spousal relationship following notification of the husband's HIV test results. The results indicated that 5 factors influenced marital stability following HIV notification: 1) a longer duration of relationship; 2) economic constraints; 3) opinions of extended family; 4) presence of children; and 5) fear of stigmatization by community members. Separation and divorce usually occurred in short-duration, childless marriages and among high-income women. The findings suggest the need for culturally fitting HIV prevention and counseling programs with both the infected individual and his partner.