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This study, with the objective of examining voluntary self-disclosure of HIV infection after repeated counseling, was conducted in a private setting, and designed to operate in conjunction with HIV testing. Counseling was provided at entry, and then at 3 months, 6 months, and every six months thereafter. The study was conducted among 129 HIV-positive adults; the primary risk factor was history of: males having sex with males (n = 104); injection drug use (n = 19); or heterosexual contact (n = 6). Results showed that after a mean of 2.3 years since initial HIV-positive notification, 29 percent of subjects had not disclosed the HIV infection to any present partner, and 30 percent to any past sex partner. Casual sex and lower perceived social support were significantly associated with nondisclosure. The authors conclude that even after repeated individual counseling and at least several months to inform others, about one-third of the sexually active subjects did not disclose their HIV infection to any present sex partner. Clinical and public health implications are covered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We prospectively examined self-disclosure of HIV infection by 129 men and women to dentists and physicians. After an average of 2.3 years since initial HIV-positive notification and repeated individual counseling, only 53 percent of subjects had told their dentists of HIV infection compared to 89 percent who had told their physicians. This high rate of non-disclosure despite extensive counseling raises concern about effectiveness of education alone in promoting voluntary self-disclosure. Our findings further support recommended universal precautions.