SELF-DISCLOSURE OF HIV-INFECTION TO SEXUAL PARTNERS

Self-disclosure of HIV infection to current sexual partners was examined in 138 seropositive men, mostly lower income Hispanics, from Los Angeles. Forty-five percent had been sexually active since learning their serostatus. Of these, 52% had kept their infection secret from one or more partners. The likelihood of disclosure decreased in direct proportion to the number of partners. Non-disclosure occurred in conjunction with unprotected receptive and insertive anal intercourse. Potential factors promoting nondisclosure are discussed.