Management of conflicts arising from disclosure of HIV status among married women in southwest Nigeria

Health Care Women Int. 2015;36(2):149-60. doi: 10.1080/07399332.2013.794461. Epub 2013 Jun 21.

Abstract

This study examined if disclosure to their spouses by married women living with HIV/AIDS resulted in conflicts. Fifty-seven women completed a questionnaire on conflict indicators. While 93% disclosed their status within 6 months of diagnosis, 12.3% did so through a third party. More than thirty-six percent (36.8%) confirmed that disclosure led to conflict. Although 19.3% had their conflicts resolved through a third party, 10% suffered separation. Marital status and fear of stigma significantly influence time to disclose (p <.01 and p <.05), while type of marriage strongly influences whether status will be disclosed (p <.01). Programs for women with HIV should consider conflicts that may arise from disclosure.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Fear
  • Female
  • HIV Seropositivity / psychology*
  • Heterosexuality
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Marriage
  • Middle Aged
  • Nigeria
  • Self Disclosure*
  • Social Stigma
  • Spouses*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Truth Disclosure*
  • Violence*