HIV SERO-STATUS DISCLOSURE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG HIV INFECTED ADULT ATTENDING ART CLINIC AT PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITIES OF BUTAJIRA TOWN, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Introduction:-Human Immunodeficiency Virus sero-status disclosure is the process of informing one’s sero-status to others. It is the base for accessing care and treatment programs, attains psycho-social support, reduces stigma, adheres to treatment and promotes safer health. Even though, different strategies were done in Ethiopia to increase the magnitude of HIV status disclosure among HIV positive patients, the magnitude is still low. The magnitude of HIV sero-status disclosure was not assessed yet after initiation of new strategy (test and treat strategy). Objective:-To assess magnitude and factors associated with HIV sero-status disclosure among HIV infected adults attending Anti-retroviral Therapy clinic at public health facilities of Butajira town, Gurage zone, southern Ethiopia, 2019. Method:-Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted at public health facilities of Butajira town. A total of 414 study participants were selected by systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected by using pre-tested interviewer administered semi structured questionnaire. The collected data were entered in to EpiData3.1 and exported to SPSS version 23. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with HIV positive status disclosure. The strength of association was assessed by crude odd ratio and adjusted odd ratio for bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis respectively .Statistically significance was declared at p-value<0.05 and 95% CI. Result:-The magnitude of HIV sero-status disclosure was 90%.Discussion about saferThe magnitude of HIV sero-status disclosure was 90%.Discussion about safer sex(AOR:3.5;95%CI;(1.3,9.4),viral load suppression (AOR:4;95%CI;(1.5,10.1),having good ART adherence (AOR:6;95%CI;(2.4,14.0), receiving counseling (AOR:2.5;95%CI;(1.01,6.3) and perceiving stigma (AOR:0.25;95%CI(0.09,0.60) were the independent factors associated with HIV positive status disclosure. Conclusion:-Majority of the study participants disclosed their HIV positive status; lack of disclosure by few people can tackle HIV prevention and control programs. Health programs could improve disclosure of HIV positive status by providing counseling service, strengthening adherence of Anti-retroviral Therapy, suppressing viral load and by avoiding (reducing) stigma on HIV positive patients by their community. KEY words: