"What's Your Status?" Disclosure of HIV Status Among Men Who Have Sex With Men

Abstract

Disclosure of HIV status is an important factor in negotiating safer sex among MSM. This continues to be a public health concern. In order to make a fully informed decision about using a condom when having sex, both partners should be aware of the others' HIV status. This study aims to determine the factors associated with disclosure, and to gain a better understanding of who discloses. To examine disclosure, I used data from a community-based HIV/STI clinic in Seattle, Washington. I found that African American and Hispanic MSM were less likely to disclose than whites, those who engaged in risky behaviors were less likely to disclose than those who do not, and that those with a high school education were less likely to disclose than those with at least a college degree. Lastly, I found there is not a significant difference in disclosure between HIV positive and HIV negative MSM.