Motivations and methods for self-disclosure of HIV seropositivity in Nairobi, Kenya

This study employed structured interviews with 307 people living with HIV (PLHIVs) in Nairobi, Kenya to investigate their serostatus disclosure with respect to four types of relationships in their lives: partners, friends, family members, and religious leaders/clergy. Regarding motivations for disclosure, it was found that a sense of duty and seeking material support motivated disclosure to family and partners, fear of loss of confidentiality inhibited disclosure to friends, and the need for advice encouraged disclosure to religious leaders. The method of disclosure most frequently mentioned was direct, with males less likely than females to use direct methods when disclosing to spouses or partners. Intermediated disclosure was common in partner/spouse relationships with around one-third of partners preferring to disclose through a third party. Methods used to disclose as well as reasons for doing so varied by relationship type.