social context of disclosing hiv test results: hiv testing in tanzania

1.5 Significance of the Study
The significance of this study stems from the fact that disclosure of HIV test
results is critical to HIV prevention. First, whatever the result, disclosure to others allows
the person to garner social support for any preventive actions they may want to
undertake, whether they are found HIV positive or negative. Individuals who keep HIV
testing and test results to themselves are on their own for whatever they decide to do and
however they decide to change their activities to protect themselves against HIV
infection. Second, for those who test positive, disclosure to a spouse or regular partner is
essential to prevent HIV transmission. Thus, the counselling sessions at a VCT facility
are likely to emphasize the importance of discussing test results with a spouse as couples.
And finally, without disclosure, a person cannot easily access social or medical services
that may be available. Although disclosure of test results does not guarantee access to
social or medical services, because they may or not be available, without disclosure
access to services becomes more difficult. Thus, any intervention that increases
disclosure of test results will also facilitate access to services.
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