Determinants of Partner Disclosure of Hiv Status Amount Attendants of Selected Art Clinics in the Accra Metropolitan Area

Abstract

Background: Over the years the prevalence of HIV in Ghana has reduced significantly; from a peak of 3.6% in 2003 it is now recorded as 1.6% - in 2014. Prevalence among young persons (15-24 years) which is quoted as a proxy for incidence is reported as 1.8%, higher than the national prevalence. This clearly depicts the fact that although some gains have been made in containing the disease, they remain fragile. The need to examine other unconventional means to control transmission is apparent; one of such means is Partner Disclosure. This study sought to determine the prevalence of Partner Disclosure among attendants at selected antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinics in Accra and to describe which characteristics (socio-demographic, partnership or disease progression) determined disclosure. Methodology: This study was a cross-sectional descriptive study in design and used both quantitative and qualitative methods. The study was conducted among 380 Persons Living with Human Immune Deficiency Virus (PLHIV) and six service providers. PLHIV were sampled consecutively and six service providers purposively sampled from six (6) ART clinics in Accra Metropolitan Area. Data collection tools used were interviewer-administered structured questionnaire (used among respondent Person Living with HIV) and an interview guide (used among service providers for in-depth interviews). SPSS was used as the statistical software for analysis. This involved finding associations by the use of chi square test and determining the strength and statistically significant predictive explanatory variables done by simple and multiple logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of Partner Disclosure was 63.9%; highest in Mamprobi Polyclinic (75.5%) and lowest in Adabraka Polyclinic (57.4%). Partner Disclosure did not vary significantly by study site (p=0.138). Some significant predictors of Partner Disclosure were knowledge of partner’s status (AOR= 33.066, CI 11.840-95.241, p<0.001), discussion with partner before testing (AOR=10.927, CI 2.364-50.512, p<0.05) and CD4 cell count 500 (AOR=3.835, CI 1.391-10.576, p<0.05). Conclusions: The study underscores the importance of spousal communication and the maintenance of a good immune state indicated by a high CD4 cell count in predicting partner disclosure. Keywords: - Partner Disclosure, PLHIV, Socio-demographic, Partnership, Disease Progression.