Presenter(s): Nisha Sridhar − Human Physiology
Faculty Mentor(s): Nagalingeswaran Kumarasamy, Ezhilarasi Chandrasekaran
Poster 96
Research Area: Public Health
Background: Disclosure of HIV seropositive status by an individual to family members can help improve quality of life and reduce transmission by promoting better access to medical services, and psychosocial support for seropositive individuals (1). Objective: We studied the disclosure rates and demographic factors influencing non-disclosure among HIV positive individuals in Southern India. Methods: We reviewed patient questionnaires from 6,458 seropositive patients between 2009 and 2017 seeking treatment at a large non-profit HIV/AIDS medical and research institution (Y.R.G. CARE) in Chennai, India. We analyzed demographic factors including age, sex, marital status, education, employment status, sexual orientation, ART status, mode of transmission, condom use, alcohol, and smoking status. Results: The overall self-reported disclosure rate of HIV status to family members was high at 98.7%. However, the disclosure to workplace remains low at 1.2%. Women, married individuals, housewives and unskilled workers showed a positive association with seropositive status disclosure. The self- reported disclosure rate for families found in this study is higher than those noted in other studies in developing nations. This may be due to the comprehensive education and counseling services provided at this clinic. This supports the importance of voluntary counseling services to promote disclosure supported by previous studies. Conclusion: Disclosure rates of HIV status to family remain high in this study when compared to other studies performed in developing nations. Seropositive status disclosure is an essential factor when developing strategies to increase access to treatment, reduce HIV-related stigma, and discourage HIV-transmission related behavior globally.
1. “HIV Status Disclosure to Sexual Partners: Rates, Barriers and Outcomes for Women.” World Health Organization, 2004.