ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Failure to disclose human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection to sexual partners interferes with risk reduction. GOAL OF THIS STUDY: The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with disclosure and failure to disclose HIV infection to sexual partners and to describe condom use with nondisclosure. STUDY DESIGN: A longitudinal survey study of HIV seropositive persons recruited at a public STD clinic. RESULTS: Approximately 76% of the study population (n = 147) reported disclosing their HIV status to their last sex partner at baseline. Predictors of disclosure included consistent condom use and being in a monogamous relationship. Twenty-two percent of those who disclosed at baseline reported nondisclosure during follow-up. Approximately 23% reported not using a condom with a person to whom their status was not disclosed. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that ongoing partner notification may be necessary to increase disclosure of HIV status to sex partners over time.
PIP: All persons reported to a public STD clinic in New Orleans, Louisiana, for HIV infection and who attended post-test counseling were offered enrollment in a program designed to reduce high-risk behaviors among HIV-infected individuals to prevent viral transmission to their sex partners. 229 people enrolled in the behavior modification program between December 1994 and May 1998, of whom 147 had at least 1 sex partner. 51.7% of these latter study participants were male, 88.4% Black, 44.2% under 30 years old, and 37.4% employed. 76% of the subjects reported disclosing their HIV serostatus to their last sex partner at baseline. Predictors of disclosure included consistent condom use and being in a monogamous relationship. 22% of those who disclosed at baseline reported nondisclosure during follow-up. Approximately 23% reported not using a condom with a person to whom their status was not disclosed.
