Prevalence and Correlates of Non-Disclosure of HIV Serostatus to Sex partners among HIV-Infected Female Sex Workers and HIV-infected Male Clients of Female Sex Workers in India

This study examines non-disclosure of HIV serostatus to sex partners among HIV-infected adults involved with transactional
sex in Mumbai, India. Surveys were conducted with HIV-infected female sex workers (n = 211) and infected male clients (n = 205)
regarding HIV knowledge, awareness of sex partners’ HIV serostatus, alcohol use, transactional sex involvement post-HIV diagnosis
and non-disclosure of HIV serostatus. Gender-stratified multiple logistic regression models were used for analysis. Non-disclosure
of one’s serostatus to all sex partners was reported by almost three-fifths of females and two-fifths of males. Predictors
of non-disclosure included lack of correct knowledge about HIV and no knowledge of sex partners’ HIV serostatus. Among females,
recent alcohol consumption also predicted non-disclosure. Among males, 10 + paid sexual partners in the year following HIV
diagnosis predicted non-disclosure. Secondary HIV prevention efforts in India require greater focus on HIV disclosure communication
and integrated alcohol and sexual risk reduction.