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Prevalence and correlates of HIV serostatus disclosure.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases 2003;30(9):731-735.
O’Brien ME, Richardson-Alston G, Ayoub M, Magnus M, Peterman
TA, Kissinger P.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: A study of HIV-positive individuals in New Orleans,
Louisiana, found that the majority of patients disclosed to their main partners
and family members, but less than one fourth disclosed to any casual sex
partner. Older age and lower CD4 cell counts were associated with disclosure.
GOAL: The goal was to describe patterns of HIV serostatus disclosure among
a diverse sample of patients at an HIV outpatient clinic in New Orleans,
Louisiana. STUDY DESIGN: A convenience sample of HIV-seropositive patients
provided information about disclosure of seropositivity, demographics, date
of HIV diagnosis, CD4 cell count, mode of HIV acquisition, and sexual activity
since HIV diagnosis. RESULTS: The 269 persons disclosed their HIV status
to people in the following categories: main sex partner (74.2%), casual sex
partner (24.8%), immediate family member (69.8%), other relative (27.0%),
or friend (26.4%). Adolescents were less likely than adults to disclose to
a main partner, immediate family member, or a friend. Immunosuppressed persons
were more likely than nonimmunosuppressed persons to disclose to a main partner,
immediate family member, or another relative. CONCLUSION: Many HIV-infected
individuals delay disclosure until their disease has progressed. Interventions
such as partner notification and skill-building to facilitate appropriate
HIV disclosure are needed.