Disclosure in the context of HIV is the sharing of information about one’s HIV-positive status with
someone else. In the case of people living with HIV (PLHIV), many factors influence their
decision to disclose. As with other illnesses there is a concern about possible discrimination or
stigma. On the other hand, disclosure can lead to higher levels of support and better management of
HIV infection. Types of disclosure can also vary depending on the need of the PLHIV, being partial
or full, in order to gain the most benefit. Self-disclosure or mediated disclosure with the assistance
of someone else is controlled by the PLHIV, whereas involuntary or forced disclosure might not be
under the PLHIV's control and thus more likely to have negative consequences. No studies have
been done in the rural area of Linguère, Senegal or in the rest of the country to identify the factors
that influence the decisions of PLHIV around disclosure. Senegal has a concentrated HIV epidemic
with national HIV prevalence stable at 0.7% in 2005 and 2010 Demographic and Health Surveys.
Linguère District's HIV prevalence was at 0.8% in 2003. By knowing more about what motivates
PLHIV to disclose or not disclose their status, service providers and others can better support
PLHIV to practise beneficial disclosure.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to explore factors that influence the decision to disclose or not disclose
one's HIV-positive status to regular sexual partners, friends and family in Linguère District,
Senegal.
Methods:
A qualitative method with in-depth interviews was used to explore the factors that influenced
decisions concerning disclosure. Fifteen PLHIV were identified through purposive sampling based
on criteria such as marital status, gender and prior disclosure decisions. In addition, four service
providers from the AIDS service organization, Projet SSP, and the district health and social workers
served as key informants. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and translated from the local
languages into French. Record reviews of the HIV/AIDS service organization complemented the
interviews. The fieldwork was conducted in the study setting for two weeks in January 2012. The
data was analysed through thematic analysis.