Linsk, Nathan(PhD)Paulos, Meron2018-06-202023-11-042018-06-202023-11-042011-07http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/2116HIV Discordant status is common among married couples in Sub-Saharan African countries. Because of the discordant status married couples face many challenges and changes. This research is carried out through qualitative exploratory study, using case study methods. Findings from this study indicated that couples understanding of their discordant status are mainly dominated by spiritual explanations given by the couples. The couples also indicated a challenge in disclosing the status to children, in-laws, extended family members, neighbors and friends. For fear of negative responses, couples have preferred to conceal their discordant status from friends and family. HIV related illness of the positive partner and its interference on the functionality of the positive partner has created economic burden and stress among couples. Lack of sexual desire, fear of virus transmission, decreased frequency of sexual contact are some of the life changes discordant couples have to live with regarding their sex life. Behavior change of both the negative and positive partners was also one change the couples have manifested; spirituality, withdrawal, loneliness and isolating oneself are some of the changes observed. The discordant couples used different coping mechanisms to live with their challenge; abstinence, using condom, spirituality, support between couples & having children in the marriage are some of the things that is helping the couples face their challenge. In conclusion, discordant couples face many challenges despite this; they have their own coping strategies, which need is to be strengthened through counseling and prevention programsenSocial WorkThesis