Partner Disclosure of HIV Status Among HIV Positve Mothers in Northern Nigeria

Abstract

Partner consent and support can substantially enhance adherence to PMTCT interventions. This study explores the issues concerning disclosure of HIV status to partners of HIV sero-positive mothers in a PMTCT programme in Jos, Northern Nigeria. Methods Previously field-tested questionnaires were administered by trained counsellors to 570 consenting HIV positive mothers who were participating in the PMTCT programme at Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Jos. The findings were entered into Epi Info and analysed using frequencies. Results The median age of respondents was 29 years while that of their partners was 37 years. Five hundred and fifty-five (99.5%) of respondents were married. Majority of the women were Christians (82.9%) while 16.9% were Moslems. Seventy four percent (419/563) of the mothers were aware of their husband’s HIV sero-status. Of these, 65.4 %( 274/419) of the partners were HIV positive while 34.6% were sero-negative. Eighty nine percent (500/560) of the women have disclosed their HIV status to their partners. Of these, 39.6% (199/502) required the assistance of health workers while 59.4% (298/502) did it by themselves. Following disclosure of HIV status, 86.9% (430/495) of the partners were supportive, 5.7% were indifferent, 6.7% were quarrelsome and abusive while 1.0% was violent. Conclusion The reactions of partners of HIV positive mothers to disclosure of their wives’ HIV status are predominantly supportive. This should strengthen strategies to promote partner disclosure.