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Abstract INTRODUCTION: Disclosure of HIV status depends on whether the outcome is HIV-positive or HIV-negative. Women participating in a Phase 3 Carraguard trial are encouraged to disclose their HIV status to their partners and to ensure safe-sex behavior METHOD: Counseling chart notes from 200 women who came for screening between June 2005 and August 2005 were reviewed for issues of disclosure to determine whether women have the inclination to disclose their HIV status and to whom. The six site counselors were interviewed for their feedback on perceived disclosure barriers. RESULTS: The mean age of the women assessed was 30 years; the youngest was 17 years, and the oldest was 53 years. During HIV post-test counseling 53% (n=106) of the HIV-positive and 40% (n=80) of the HIV-negative women reported they will disclose their HIV status. 6% (n=12) of the HIV-positive and 1% (n=2) of the HIV-negative admitted they wouldn’t disclose their HIV status. 75% of the women willing to disclose their HIV status said they would disclose to their partners; 4.75% to a friend; 13.25% to a family member; and 7% were not ready to disclose. Counselors' interviews revealed that at post-test counseling sessions, HIV-negative women did not present any disclosure barriers; instead their negative result allowed them to make more informed decisions, like vowing to practice safer sex until they are certain of their partner’s HIV status. Those who tested HIV-positive were citing fears of violence, neglect, stigma, and the lack of support systems within their communities. Instant disclosure wasn’t common among HIV-positive women; they preferred to disclose later due to shock, anger, and fear of partner. CONCLUSION: A majority of the women were willing to disclose their HIV status to their partners, even though this is invariably dependent on the nature of results. Poster Session
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