Abstract
Background: This study aimed to investigate prevalence, predictors and outcomes of disclosure among HIV positive pregnant women in Moshi, Tanzania. Methodology: In the study, 246 HIV positive pregnant women were included. Information about socio-demographic background and thoughts about HIV positive people in the community was collected in the enrolment questionnaire. The women were followed from third trimester antenatal to one year postnatal with follow-up questionnaires about HIV disclosure and subsequent experiences. Results: The disclosure prevalence was 78.0%, and the preferred person to tell was the partner (82.8%). The socio-demographic factors that were found to influence disclosure were employment, marital status and age of partner. Unemployed women, women in a steady relationship and women with a young partner (21-30 years) were found to be significant more likely to disclose their HIV status. Acceptance was the most anticipated attitude regarding HIV in the community, which was reported by 58.5% of the women. The major concern prior to disclosure was abandonment, reported by 17.5% of the women. The most reported outcome after disclosure was no specific reaction , which 57.8% of the women answered. Only a few women revealed negative outcomes, like abandonment, angriness or verbal scolding, and none reported violence. Discussion: The correlation between the results in our study and the already existing literature about HIV disclosure is relatively good. The disclosure prevalence, the preferred person to disclose to, the barriers to and the outcomes of disclosure that we found in our study seem to be consistent with former studies. In our study, we found three significant factors that facilitate disclosure (unemployment, steady relationship and young partner). In several comparable studies, steady relationship has been stated to positively influence disclosure. Having a steady partner might give the strength to tell the partner about the positive HIV status and many of the women might hope for care and support afterwards. Regarding unemployment and young partner, we found variable results in other studies. Recommendations: Free or low cost services and treatment, better education around HIV and a safe and encouraging health system will hopefully help increasing disclosure rates and adherence to treatment as well as reducing HIV transmission.