Spousal disclosure of HIV serostatus among women attending antenatal care in urban Nigeria
Olagbuji, B.N.; Ezeanochie, M.C.; Agholor, K.N.; Olagbuji, Y.W.; Ande, A.B.; Okonofua, F.E.
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology the Journal of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 31(6): 486-488
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 1364-6893 PMID: 21823844 DOI: 10.3109/01443615.2011.563637Document Number: 552400
About 80% of HIV-positive pregnant women in our unit have a seronegative spouse. The prevalence, pattern and determinants of spousal disclosure of HIV serostatus was evaluated among 166 HIV-positive pregnant women receiving antiretroviral treatment. Although 146 women (88%) disclosed their HIV serostatus, 20 women (12%) did not disclose their status to their spouse. Non-disclosure was significantly associated with nulliparous (p=0.024) and unmarried women (p=0.026). Fear, regarding spread of the information (57.8%), stigmatisation (53%) and deterioration in the relationship with the spouse (47%) were the three commonest reasons for non-disclosure. Disclosure of HIV-positive status remains a sensitive issue among infected pregnant women. Strategies to reduce the stigma associated with HIV infection, appropriate management of the information following disclosure of seropositive status by HIV-infected persons are necessary to encourage disclosure to sexual partners and ultimately prevent new HIV infections.