Table 3 Advantages and disadvantages of approaches that could be used during facilitated disclosure

Health worker discloses HIV-infected status to partner

1. May result in blame for hiding infection

2. Partner may become abusive

3. Shows lack of communication in relationship

4. Denies participants of their rights to disclose their HV status

5. Partner will be shocked

6. May cause disagreement

HIV-infected individual discloses to partner in Health worker presence

1. Provides protection (partner may not act violently in the presence of health worker)

1. May result in blame for hiding infection

2. Partner can be encouraged to be tested for HIV

2. Partner may respond in shock

3. Helps with the acceptance of the HIV diagnosis

3. May result in disagreement

4. Can help to reduce transmission (partner will know to use condoms if having extramarital affair)

4. Fear others will hear about his/her HIV status

5. Provides an opportunity to have questions answered

5. Could lead to separation

6. Will be educated together

7. Promote understanding

8. Promote trust

Partners are tested together

1. Learn about HIV together

1. May result in separation if discordant result

2. Reduce blame

3. Improve support

4. Improve PMTCT

5. Reduce deceit

6. Improve understanding

7. Get to know HIV status together

8. Contribute to peace in the family