Prevalence and correlates of HIV serostatus disclosure.
OBJECTIVE
A study of HIV-positive individuals in New Orleans, Louisiana, found that the majority of patients disclosed to their main partners and family members, but less than one fourth disclosed to any casual sex partner. Older age and lower CD4 cell counts were associated with disclosure.


OBJECTIVE
The goal was to describe patterns of HIV serostatus disclosure among a diverse sample of patients at an HIV outpatient clinic in New Orleans, Louisiana.


METHODS
A convenience sample of HIV-seropositive patients provided information about disclosure of seropositivity, demographics, date of HIV diagnosis, CD4 cell count, mode of HIV acquisition, and sexual activity since HIV diagnosis.


RESULTS
The 269 persons disclosed their HIV status to people in the following categories: main sex partner (74.2%), casual sex partner (24.8%), immediate family member (69.8%), other relative (27.0%), or friend (26.4%). Adolescents were less likely than adults to disclose to a main partner, immediate family member, or a friend. Immunosuppressed persons were more likely than nonimmunosuppressed persons to disclose to a main partner, immediate family member, or another relative.


CONCLUSIONS
Many HIV-infected individuals delay disclosure until their disease has progressed. Interventions such as partner notification and skill-building to facilitate appropriate HIV disclosure are needed.
O'Brien
Megan E
ME
Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA.
Richardson-Alston
Gwangi
G
Ayoub
Melissa
M
Magnus
Manya
M
Peterman
Thomas A
TA
Kissinger
Patricia
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D016358:Contact Tracing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D008145:Louisiana / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012650:Self Disclosure