Disclosure of HIV status to partners: A qualitative enquiry among adults diagnosed with HIV receiving care in a resourced-constrained hospital in rural Ghana

Background Despite global advancements in treatment and awareness, stigma and socio-environmental factors continue to hinder open discussions among individuals living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). This study explored the disclosure of HIV status to partners by adults diagnosed with HIV receiving care in a resourced-constrained hospital in rural Ghana. Methods Using an exploratory-descriptive qualitative design, we purposively sampled 15 adult PLWHA receiving care. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was conducted with the aid of NVivo 13.0. Results The analysis of the data generated five main themes: fear and mistrust, internal emotional reactions, community reactions and stigmatization, physical environmental limitations, partner disclosure dynamics. The participants stated that they hesitated to disclose their status due to fear of stigma and gossip, fear of losing social support and respect, shock and denial, loneliness, gossip and public shaming, lack of privacy and trust, unaware of partner’s status and possibly selective disclosure to children. Conclusion and recommendation Disclosure of HIV status to partners by PLWHA in rural Ghana is influenced by individual fears, psychological vulnerabilities, and environmental barriers. We recommend that hospital administrators should initiate community sensitization programs in collaboration with religious, youth, and traditional leaders. These programs should aim to reduce HIV-related stigma, promote acceptance, and raise awareness of the benefits of partner disclosure on the quality of life of PLWHA. The Ghana Aids Commission and the Ghana Health Service must embark on community education to mitigate stigma and enhance disclosure so as to improve adherence to treatment.