Internet advice on disclosure of HIV status to sexual partners in an era of criminalization

ABSTRACT

Purpose: HIV-specific statutes are increasingly popular in the United States and often impose harsh penalties for failure to disclose an HIV diagnosis to sexual partners. The purpose of this study was to examine HIV-related websites for information about non-disclosure as a crime and the relevance of this advice for U.S. audiences. Methods: Internet searches were conducted for HIV-related websites with advice on disclosure to sexual partners. Once identified, these sites were analyzed for content, quality, and type of approach to disclosure and the law. Each site was given a page ranking (P. Score) according to Google’s priority listing algorithm, and a value ranking (V. Score) for textual content and quality of advice. Results:  Internet advice on disclosure and the law was highly variable.  With few exceptions, highly ranked U.S. sites offered less advice than sites in Britain, Canada and Australia.  All U.S. sites followed the law by placing the onus of responsibility for disclosure on the HIV-infected individual, but few offered advice on how to disclose or how to obtain proof of disclosure in order to avoid prosecution. None addressed the special risks of African Americans who are most likely to be prosecuted for non-disclosure.  Conclusions:  HIV advice websites should offer strategies on how to disclose to sexual partners and to document proof in case of prosecution. The mental health implications of HIV criminalization will be discussed.