"Barriers to timely disclosure of HIV serostatus: A qualitative study at care and treatment centers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania."
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Date
2021
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
PloS one
Abstract
Introduction
Disclosure of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) status is important to prevent the
spread of HIV and maintain the health of people living with HIV, their spouses, and the com-
munity. Despite the benefits of disclosure, many people living with HIV delay disclosing their
status to those close to them thereby increasing the risk for disease transmission. This
study aimed to determine the barriers to timely disclosure of HIV serostatus for people living
with HIV in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and identify what motivated disclosure.
Methods
A qualitative descriptive study using in-depth individual interviews was conducted with10
participants attending HIV care and treatment centers in Dar es Salaam. The participants
were people living with HIV who had delayed disclosing their serostatus for more than one
month after diagnosis. Data was analyzed using qualitative content analysis.
Results
Three categories emerged from the analysis: Barriers hindering timely disclosure, motiva-
tion for disclosure of serostatus, and consequences of delayed disclosure. Barriers to timely
disclosure included denial of one’s status, the fear of stigmatization, fear of being separated
or divorced, the need to protect loved ones, and lack of adequate knowledge about the dis-
ease. Reasons that motivated disclosure included gaining social support, preventing dis-
ease transmission and wanting to be at peace.
Conclusion
Timely disclosure is hindered by stigma because HIV is negatively perceived by the public.
People living with HIV prefer not to disclose to avoid the negative consequences of disclo-
sure, especially because of fear of being discriminated against and losing their social status,
which plays a major role in social status in Tanzania.
Trust and adequate counseling from health care workers helps prompt disclosure
Description
Keywords
Disclosure of HIV, A qualitative study, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Citation
Ismail, N., Matillya, N., Ratansi, R. and Mbekenga, C., 2021. Barriers to timely disclosure of HIV serostatus: A qualitative study at care and treatment centers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. PloS one, 16(8), p.e0256537.