The Sexual Pattern of HIV Discordant Couples Following Disclosure of their Status in Botswana

Background and aim: This paper describes the sexual behaviors of the HIV sero- discordant couples following disclosure of their status. Disclosure is regarded as a strategy that opens avenues for people to gain new insight into the situation and allows them to better process the event. In a discordant situation, disclosure helps couples discuss and find ways to live together without infecting another. Methods: A qualitative, exploratory approach was employed. Forty-six participants aged 18 to 53 years in three towns in Botswana were interviewed using an interview guide. Participants were interviewed on awareness of the discordance and measures they use to prevent transmitting the HIV to an uninfected partner. Findings: The results were analyzed using thematic content analysis. The behaviors of the participants were found to be varied ranging from consistent use to inconsistent condom use. Reasons for inconsistent use were: i) to avoid shunning the HIV positive partner, ii) have to show acceptance of their partners and they both want to maintain the relationship, iii) need for children, and iv) mixed perception about HIV transmission. The findings of the study revealed that some participants are still unaware of the danger of HIV infection. The participants? behavior therefore serves as a basis for further studies and more education on the sexual behavior of discordant couples. Conclusion and recommendations: The findings also shed light on the need for continuous evaluation of the clients on their acceptance to living with a discordant partner and reinforce behavioral change on sexual activities especially with a discordant partner. There is need to raise awareness at schools and communities on understanding this phenomenon.