Influence of HIV Status Disclosure on Quality of Life among HIV/AIDS Patients in Benue State

Stigma and discrimination have affected the disclosure of HIV/AIDS status among the populace in Benue State. This may have led to the impairment of patients’ quality of life emotionally, physically and cognitively. Therefore, this study investigated the influence of HIV status disclosure on quality of life among HIV/AIDS patients in Benue State. Cross-sectional survey design was used on a sample of 375 HIV/AIDS patients consisting of 180 (48%) male and 195 (52%) female patients. Their ages ranged from 18-53years with a mean age of 38.66years (SD=6.34). The sampling technique used was proportionate sampling while the instruments used for data collection were the HIV/AIDS Status Disclosure Scale and the Professional Quality of Life – HIV Scale. The four hypotheses raised were tested using Multiple Linear regression and Standard Multiple Regression Analysis. Results indicated that there was a significant influence of HIV status disclosure on emotional distress among HIV/AIDS patients in Benue State. Secondly, there was a significant influence of HIV status disclosure on intimate relationship among HIV/AIDS patients in Benue State. Thirdly, there was no significant influence of HIV status disclosure on physical/cognitive functioning among HIV/AIDS patients in Benue State. Lastly, there was a significant influence of HIV status disclosure on quality of life among HIV/AIDS patients in Benue State. It was hence recommended that, clinical psychologists and other health workers should proliferate their efforts in campaigning against HIV related stigma. This will eradicate the hesitation people have in disclosing their HIV status to other persons.