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

with other people. Several studies have shown that people who are sick are more likely to
disclose their HIV status than people who are asymptomatic (Meursing, 1999).
A reading of the interviews indicated that the social context of individuals and the
nature of their social relations often facilitated their getting tested for HIV. Respondents
discussed the decision to take a test as well as to disclose their HIV test result to some
people and not to others for various reasons. The strength of social ties to family, friends,
and acquaintances influenced disclosure patterns. In addition, the kinds of marital ties
(single, married, separated, or divorced) and sexual partnerships (monogamous, multiple,
concurrent) that individuals maintain greatly affected the disclosure process.
Generally, the study found that people discuss HIV tests and show the results to
people with whom they are very close and with whom they share a high level of trust.
These are mainly blood relatives, such as parents (especially a mother), a brother, sister,
uncle, or aunt, and sometimes close friends.
For some respondents, it was not easy to accept the results of their test; they
consequently felt the need to be retested. In such situations, disclosure will be delayed.
For example, a 35-year-old man from Iringa explained his dilemma in the following way.
Case 2
Researcher: Ok, I would like now to know whether you told other
people after receiving your test results.
Respondent: No, to be honest, I have not told anybody yet.
Researcher: You have not told anybody?
Respondent: Yes.
Researcher: I remember you told me that you are married.
Respondent: Yes.
Researcher: You mean, you have not told even your wife?
Respondent: I have not told her, maybe after getting a second test.
Researcher: Why is it difficult?
Respondent: I am convincing her.
Researcher: Mmm, convincing…?
Respondent: I want her to go and get tested, so that I can also get tested
for the second time.
58