Assessment of HIV Sero-discordance among Couples Tested in Voluntary Counseling and Testing Center, Zewditu Memorial Hospital, Addis Ababa,Ethiopia

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Date

2013-12

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Addis Abeba University

Abstract

Background: Recent studies suggest that in sub-Saharan African, a large proportion of new HIV infections occur within sero-discordant couples and in countries with generalized HIV epidemics including Ethiopia sero-discordant relationships are common. Thus, it remains to be a major challenge to achieve the full impact of HIV/AIDS intervention. Objective: To assess the magnitude of HIV sero-discordance and its associated factors among couples tested in Zewditu Memorial Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: Cross-sectional chart review for a total of 13,423 couples from January 2005 to December 2012 was conducted. Quantitative and qualitative data analyses were done to assess the magnitude and its associated factors with HIV sero-discordance among couples. To supplement the quantitative data in-depth interview was conducted in 4 sero-discordant couples and 3 VCT counselors. Data were entered using Epi-info version 3.5.3 and quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS for windows version 19 software. Qualitative data was transcribed based on the objectives of the study and the results were described in narratives using well-said verbatim. Results: Among a total of 13,423 HIV tested couples 886 of them were HIV sero-discordant and the magnitude of sero-discordance was found to be 6.6%. Sero-discordance was more prevalent among married and widowed couples counting 20% and 16.4% respectively. Secondary education (AOR= 2.42; 95% CI: 1.527, 3.83); tertiary level (AOR=1.60; 95 % CI: 1.008, 2.54); able to read and write (AOR=2.68; 95% CI: 1.63,4.39); condom not used regularly in the last 3 months (AOR=2.145; 95% CI: 1.625, 2.831); suspected exposure within 4 to 6 months (AOR=2.31; 95% CI: 1.53, 3.50); suspected time over 6 months (AOR=1.98; 95% CI: 1.409, 2.79); employed (AOR=1.26; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.54); unskilled occupation (AOR= 1.851; 95% CI: 1.152, 2.975); housewife (AOR= 0.533; 95% CI: 0.38, 0.75); history of STI (AOR= 0.745; 95% CI: 0.56, 0.99) were statistically significant with HIV sero-discordance. Conclusion and Recommendation: Substantial prevalence of sero-discordance was observed among married couples. Sero-discordant couples occupied with handful misconception and they are ambivalent for decision making. Sero-discordant result among couples is still mysterious; as a result, justify it from spiritual point of view and face many challenges and dilemmas. Intensive efforts should be made to encourage married couples aware of their own and their partners’ serostatus. Empowering and educating community and ongoing counseling is recommended.

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Keywords

HIV,Voluntary Counseling , Testing Center

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