ABSTRACT
Background: Disclosure of HIV positive status has key role in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS. Reports of non-disclosure and negative outcome of disclosure are common. Thus; disclosure of HIV positive status is a theme that demands investigation. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the magnitude and outcome of HIV positive status disclosure to sexual partner among women living with HIV/AIDS and attending Hawassa University Referral Hospital; South Nations and Nationalities Peoples Region (SNNPR) during a period of March to April 2008. Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted at Hawassa University Referral Hospital. Single population proportion formula was used to determine sample size. Using a structured and pre-tested questionnaire; data on disclosure were collected through interview. After explaining purpose of the survey; data collection was continued until the required sample was obtained. Then; data were entered using EPI info version 2002 statistical package and cross checked for reliability. Using SPSS 12.1 for windows statistical package; analysis was done. Results: Overall 85.7of the women had disclosed their HIV positive status to sexual partner. Main barriers of disclosure reported by non-disclosed subjects were; fear of abandonment; fear of break-up in relationship and fear of stigma. More than 59of the women with regular sexual partner faced negative partner reaction after disclosure. Compared with married women; those women who were in a cohabiting relationship were less likely to disclose their HIV status to sexual partners (AOR 0.16; 95CI 0.04; 0.60); women who did not know HIV status of their sexual partners were less likely to disclose their HIV positive status than their counter parts (AOR 0.02; 95CI 0.00; 0.08) and women who had been on ART for more than one year were more likely to disclose their HIV positive status than the reference groups (AOR 8.62; 95CI 1.35; 55.22). Conclusion: HIV positive status disclosure to sexual partner in this study was higher than what was reported in other studies in Ethiopia; for Mettu and Gore (69) but slightly lower than the report from Jimma (94.5) and Addis Ababa (92). Negative partner reaction following disclosure was higher. Effectively addressing issues of disclosure was recommended to encourage disclosure and cope with negative reactions after disclosure in People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Besides; currently existing Information Education Communication (IEC) interventions on HIV/AIDS should be strengthened; to reduce negative partner reaction following disclosure
Subject(s)
Disclosure , HIV Seropositivity , Sexual Partners , WomenABSTRACT
Background: Non-adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy is a major challenge to AIDS care; and the risks associated with it are extensive. Objective: To assess factors associated with non-adherence among AIDS patients receiving Antiretroviral Therapy at Yirgalem Hospital; Southern Ethiopia. Method: A comparative cross sectional survey was carried out at Yirgalem Hospital between July 10 and August 30; 2006. The two-proportion formula for unmatched case control study with 1:3 ratio was used to calculate the sample size. Systematic sampling was used to recruit patients. Using a structured and pre-tested questionnaire; data on drug adherence were collected through interview and pill count. Non-adherent patients were compared with adherent patients and associations with key risk factors were determined. Results: Two hundred and ninety one AIDS patients were involved in the survey. Prevalence of adherence in the week before interview was 74.2. Main reasons of non-adherence cited by the patients were; being busy or simply forgetting (51); change in daily routine (9.4); and being away from home (8.3). Non-adherence was commoner among patients reporting symptoms in the past four weeks (Adj. OR=6.41; 95CI: 2.41 to 17.08); who lived more than 47 km away (AOR= 2.48; 95CI: 1.24 to 4.98); or who had dependents (Adj. OR=1.95; 95CI: 1.06 to 3.57). Conclusions: Efforts must be made to make the service accessible by commencement of ART service in more Health Centers; to improve patients' awareness of ARV adverse effects; and to provide social support to all People Living with HIV; particularly those who have dependents.http://indexmedicus.afro.who.int/iah/fulltext/EJHD/vol 22 n2/Adherence to ART 174-179