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HIV disclosure in rural China: predictors and relationship to access to care

Year: 2011

Type: article

Abstract: This study examined the main reasons and predictors of HIV disclosure and its relationship to access to care among people living with HIV (PLH) in a rural area of China. A sample of 88 PLH from three counties was interviewed in 2009. In our sample, the rates of disclosure were higher within and outside family. Trust (31%), needing help (28%), and close relationships (26%) were the three main reasons of selecting the person to disclose by a PLH. Using a multivariate analysis, level of HIV disclosure to partners and members within the community was only significantly associated with use of antiretroviral treatment (ART) (β = 2.76; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.77, 4.74). After adjusting for demographics, time since HIV diagnosis and ART, we found HIV disclosure (β = 0.07; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.13) was a significant predictor for access to care. In order to improve PLHs' access to health services and care, future intervention programs should consider both the potential benefits and risks associated with HIV disclosure (intentional and unintentional), and assist PLHs to prepare for HIV disclosure and reduce potential negative impacts that come with it.

Source: AIDS Care

DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2011.554524

Authors: Yingying Ding, Li Li, Guoping Ji

Institutions: University of California, Los Angeles, Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Language: English

Topic: HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health