Background and objective: A study of HIV-positive individuals in New Orleans, Louisiana, found that the majority of patients disclosed to their main partners and family members, but less than one fourth disclosed to any casual sex partner. Older age and lower CD4 cell counts were associated with disclosure.
Goal: The goal was to describe patterns of HIV serostatus disclosure among a diverse sample of patients at an HIV outpatient clinic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Study design: A convenience sample of HIV-seropositive patients provided information about disclosure of seropositivity, demographics, date of HIV diagnosis, CD4 cell count, mode of HIV acquisition, and sexual activity since HIV diagnosis.
Results: The 269 persons disclosed their HIV status to people in the following categories: main sex partner (74.2%), casual sex partner (24.8%), immediate family member (69.8%), other relative (27.0%), or friend (26.4%). Adolescents were less likely than adults to disclose to a main partner, immediate family member, or a friend. Immunosuppressed persons were more likely than nonimmunosuppressed persons to disclose to a main partner, immediate family member, or another relative.
Conclusion: Many HIV-infected individuals delay disclosure until their disease has progressed. Interventions such as partner notification and skill-building to facilitate appropriate HIV disclosure are needed.