Women's self-disclosure ofHIV Infection: Rates, Reasons and Barriers. Inlplications for HIV / AIDS prevention
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Date
2006-06
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Addis Ababa Univerisity
Abstract
Ethiopia is highly affected by HI VIA IDS. Its impact is more severe on women. They are
the most vulnerable part of the society due to biological, economical and socio-cultural
reasons.
Public disclosure of ones HIV status is important in the fight against HIVIAIDS. It helps to
give a human face to the community there by leading to minimize the perceived negative
outcomes associated with HIV status disclosure.
The current study aimed to explore aspects related to Self-disclosure of HIV positive
status.417 women infected with HIV were the samples of the study. Data were collected
using structured interview and focus group discussion. It was subjected to both
qualitative and quantitative analysis. The findings were discussed in terms of HBM and
TRA theories and other research findings.
Chi-square was used to examine the association between the selected predictor
variables and the dependent variable. And binary logistic regression was employed to
explore whether the selected predictor variables have an effect on rate of public
disclosure. Besides, descriptive analysis was used to analyze some background
characteristics of the respondents.
According to the descriptive analysis, rates of HIV status disclosure to extended family
members were relatively low where as higher to immediate family members. Husband
(68%) and sisters (59%) account relatively the highest rates of disclosure. Rate of public
disclosure was 28%.And 23% of the respondents totally didn 't disclose to anyone.
Beside, those who publicly disclose explained as the positive outcomes of disclosure out
weight than the negative outcomes; where as those who haven't yet open about their
status stated that the different forms and expressions of stigma and discrimination as a
reason for non disclosure. And they further explained that if we have at least the basic
necessities, we can confront the various negative outcomes of disclosure . Lastly, FGD
participants reported that the motivators of disclosure I non disclosure vary among men
and women. And they also said the negative outcomes of disclosure more affect the
lives of women than men.
Moreover, based on the bivariate analysis, age, educational status, marital status, , time
since diagnosis, work status, follow up counseling , discussion about disclosure with
counselors, behavioral beliefs, and influence of subjective beliefs were found to have an
association with rate of public disclosure. However, religion, attitude towards public
disclosure, knowledge about HIVIAIDS and exposure to media weren't found to have
association with rate of public disclosure.
Furthermore, the regression analysis revealed that except work status of the
respondents; their age, educational status, marital status, , time since diagnOSiS, follow
up counseling , discussion about disclosure with counselors, behavioral beliefs , and
influence of subjective norms were found to have an effect on rate of public disclosure.
Based on the findings, mechanisms must be created to help people perceive the
benefits of public disclosure than its harms. It is possible through mass media and by
promoting follow up counseling. Beside, economic empowerment of women by fostering
economic activities through programmes like microfinance will also playa crucial role.
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Keywords
Women's self-disclosure ofHIV Infection