Stakeholders perception of HIV sero-discordant couples in western Kenya

Abstract

Objective: To describe the perceptions of key stakeholders regarding the counselling needs of HIV sero-discordant couples as part of preparation for a clinical trial involving HIV sero-discordant couples.
Design: Qualitative study using key informant and couple interviews.
Setting: Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH).
Subjects: A purposive sample of nine key informants and 31 couple interviews totaling 71 participants. The couple interviews consisted of HI V untested, HI V concordant (positive and negative) and discordant couples.
Results: Seventy one individuals participated in nine key informant and 31 couple interviews. The responses identified the following as key issues in counselling HIV discordant couples:

(i) The need for education on the meaning of HI V sero-discordancy including potential sources
of infection

(ii) Assistance in disclosing HIV test results to one’s partner

(iii) Discussion of the stigma surrounding formula feeding. Overall, the participants supported safer sexual practices in discordant partnerships.
Conclusions: Psychosocial support of HI V sero-discordant couples should include messages about the meaning, mechanisms and implications of sero-discordancy. Culturally appropriate HI Vdisclosure and safer sex messages are also needed to support these partnerships.