Venkatachalam, R.(Professor)Getachew, Hiwot2018-07-032023-11-182018-07-032023-11-182006-06http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/12345678/5642Ethiopia is highly affected by HIVIAIOS. 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 HI VIA IDS. 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 roleenEducationThesis