ABSTRACT
This study was therefore conducted to investigate the prevalence and perception of partner disclosure among HIV positive clients in public health facilities in FCT, Abuja -Nigeria Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 390 adult HIV clients accessing outpatient care in 10 selected health facilities in Abuja. Prevalence, perception of and factors for partner disclosure were assessed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Frequencies, proportions, chi-square and logistic regression were conducted to determine the independent factors influencing partner disclosure. Results: Of 390 respondents, 247 (62.3%) disclosed their HIV status to their partners even though, 388 (99.5%) had a positive perception towards partner disclosure. The main reasons for disclosure were to gain support 94 (38.1%) and due to a sense of duty to warn partner 62 (25.0%). Of the 143 that did not disclose, a quarter (25.4%) of the respondents cited fear of stigmatization and shame as their main reason. Age 45 years or older (OR, 3.3; CI, 1.1-10.2), being in the 2nd and 3rd year of diagnosis (OR, 0.39; CI, 0.18-0.81) and having had 3 or more sexual partners (OR, 0.48; CI, 0.23-0.99) were the independent determinants of HIV partner disclosure among the study participants. Conclusion: The prevalence of partner disclosure is still low despite generally good perception among the respondents. Health campaign against stigmatization of PLWHA and patient education targeted at younger patients, recently diagnosed patients and patients with multiple partners are necessary to promote partner disclosure. Keywords: Prevalence, perception, PLWHA, Partner disclosure, HIV, AIDS.