Disclosure of Hiv status to sexual partners among people who ...

4.3.2 Timing of disclosure
Disclosure to sexual partners was either planned or unplanned, and in some
circumstances not required.
4.3.2.1 Planned disclosure
Of the participants who planned disclosure to their partners, three disclosed immediately
after taking the HIV test. In such cases, disclosure was done either at the testing site or at
the spouse’s place of work.
My wife had accompanied me to take the HIV test. After I had received my results
and the session was over with the counsellor, I came out and told my wife who
was waiting for me that; “Even me I am dead (infected), they found the virus in
me” [Male client, 47 years, married]
Some female participants acknowledged disclosing to partners soon after their visit to the
antenatal clinic where they found out their serostatus.
As soon as I left the antenatal clinic, I went straight to where my spouse was
working. I told him that I took an HIV test and was told that I was HIV positive.
[Female, 29 years, married]
One of the participants explained that disclosure can also be prompted by either the
anticipation of understanding and support or done out of desperation since receiving HIV
positive results is very challenging
After receiving my results , I came and told my wife that I had suffered enough
and then added, “ The doctors advised me to go to TASO but rumour has it that
TASO gives people drugs that kill. I want to go and get those drugs so that I may
die.” My wife’s response was: “I have not told you that I am tired of looking after
you. Why don’t you accept to live as long as God allows you to?”
[Male, 41 years, married]
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