Disclosure of HIV status to sexual partners among perinatally HIV–infected youth in Thailand

Abstract

Data regarding disclosure of HIV status to sexual partners among perinatally acquired HIV-infected (PHIV) youth are limited, particularly from Asian countries. This cross-sectional study assessed the patterns of, attitudes about, and factors associated with HIV disclosure to sexual partners among PHIV youth aged 15–24 years who attended a pediatric HIV clinic in Thailand. Participants were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire designed to elicit demographic and sexual behavior information. Those who had sexual partners were queried about their relationship and HIV status disclosure. Reasons to disclose or not to disclose were assessed accordingly. Among the 51 (44.4%) youth who had sexual partners, 55.8% had steady partners, 45.1% did not always use condoms, and 41.2% disclosed their HIV status. Reasons to disclose included trust and concern about the risk of infection to their partners. Reasons not to disclose included fear of rejection and stigmatization, and not knowing how to disclose. Most youth reported a need for disclosure-related guidance. Knowing their sexual partner’s HIV status was the only independent factor associated with disclosure (aOR 14.6; 95% CI 2.8–75.4). This study demonstrates a high rate of unsafe sex and a low rate of partner disclosure in PHIV youth, and highlights the need for a comprehensive guideline for HIV disclosure to sexual partners.

Sexuality of adolescent girls born with HIV in Senegal: an anthropological analysis

“…14 In general, the fear of transmitting the virus to their partner along with their reluctance to disclose their HIV status not only for fear of rejection and stigmatization, but also because they do not know how to, are sources of anxiety. [15][16][17][18] Adolescents, therefore, use a variety of strategies, such as early disclosure to avoid the pain of future rejection, waiting for the 'right' partner, 'testing the waters' to ascertain likely reactions, or even using condoms to avoid disclosure. 19,20 According to Kidman and Violari, 21 journals.sagepub.com/home/tai TherapeuTic advances in infectious disease while revealing the serological status strengthened support from the family circle for some adolescents, others have suffered reactions of rejection and stigmatization.…”

Exploring Storytelling Approach with Service Design to Create Empathetic Experiences for Adolescents Living with HIV: A Case Study

“…Overall, there is limited evidence on the prevalence and consequences of disclosure of HIV status to ALHIV's sexual partners, and how to support them in this process. Studies from South Africa (Kidman & Violari, 2020), Thailand (Boon-Yasidhi, et al, 2021), and anecdotal evidence from India (Vranda, Subbakrishna, Ramakrishna, & Veena, 2018) (Pune, 2010) suggest that ALHIV find it difficult to disclose their HIV status to their partners mainly due to the fear of rejection.…”