This study explored factors associated with the reluctance of people living with HIV
(PLWH) to disclose their (Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) statuses to their sexual
partners at Galeshewe Day Hospital in Kimberley in the Northern Cape.
The study was an in-depth interview based qualitative research; and purposive
sampling technique was utilised to select 13 PLWH aged between 18 and 45.
Among males, factors contributing to the reluctance of disclosure to sexual partners are
ignorance, fear of rejection, not knowing where to start when disclosing and secrecy.
Despite the complexity of disclosure, all participants understood the importance of
disclosing to sexual partners as this will prevent new infections.
There is a need for HIV prevention strategies to focus on males particularly, to
strengthen disclosure counselling services provided to PLWH and to advocate strongly
for partner testing.