Self-Disclosure of HIV Status to Sexual Partners: A Qualitative Study of Issues Faced by Gay Men

摘要: Objective:This study aimed to explore the range of issues faced by HIV-positive and HIV-negative gay men concerning HIV serostatus self-disclosure sexual partners. Methods: In-depth semistructured interviews 1–2 hr each were conducted with 26 15 who recruited from a larger cohort followed longitudinally for several years at major medical center. Interviews audiotaped, transcribed, content-analyzed two independent raters. Results: Several themes emerged how disclosure was viewed, what told, why occurred, decisions related behavior. Variations occurred in when disclosed, contents definitions their disclosures. Men disclosed using codes indirect hints. Various rationalizations arose not telling as well. Many adopted position that they do tell, but practice safer sex, yet sex varied such some consider safe, others not. Conclusion: Recognition thus needs be increased among clinicians, researchers, patients, can vary significantly. The data have critical implications designing appropriate interventions limit further spread HIV.