Abstract:
Objective: To describe the perceptions of key stakeholders regarding the counseling needs of HI V
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:
The need for education on the meaning of HI V sero-discordancy including potential sources
of infection; assistance in disclosing HIV test results to one’s partner; discussion of the stigma
surrounding formula feeding. Overall, the participants supported safer sexual practices in
discordant partnerships.
Conclusions: Psycho-social support of HI V sero-discordant couples should include messages about
the meaning, mechanisms and implications of sero-discordancy. Culturally appropriate HI Disclosure
and safer sex messages are also needed to support these partnerships
