Level and Perception of HIV Sero-status disclosure among people living with HIV in Mombasa County

Abstract

Kenya is one of the countries in the sub Saharan Africa which has been worst hit by the HIV and AIDS epidermic. The government and the Non Gorvernmental Organizations have put in a lot of resources to contain andcontrol the spread of the disease. The war on the spread of HIV and AIDS may not be won if disclosure of status to partnrers is not encouraged. The objective of this study was to determine the level of HIV sero – status disclosure and perceptions. The research used a crosssectional study design approach. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. A sample size of 432 was selected for the study from 15,600 patients enrolled at the Mombasa County Reffereal Hospital. Simple random sampling was used to recruit the subjects into the study via administration of papers labeled and folded, where those who picked yes were enrolled into the study. The subjects recruited were taken through the research purpose, objective, rights, risks, benefits and confidentiality before consenting. Structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews and focused group discussion tools were used to collect data. The results showed that out of 432 participants recruited in the study 40.3% were males and 59.7% were females. 32.9% were married. The overall disclosure rate among People Living with HIV was 79.2%. Chi square test of homogeneity was used to determine if there is significant variation in disclosure levels among various categorical groups. Results show that there was significant variation in proportion of those who disclose among gender, age groups, occupation and marital status. Qualitative findings on disclosure perceptions showed that 42.78% felt good, 32.97% had low self esteem, 17.3% had quilt and 6.22% were ashamed. Interventions that target HIV counseling and testing as well community perception on HIV disclosure should be empowered. The results of this study will help PLHIV and those not infected to seek HIV test and disclose their status in order to reduce risk of HIV transmission.