Those carrying HIV often hide the illness from people close to them, finds a survey by NordPol, a Nordic umbrella organization for HIV positive persons.

Under half of the respondents said they had told their parents about being HIV positive. In the work place, a fifth had told their co-workers. However, nearly all respondents had told their spouse or partner. NordPol's survey charted quality of life of those living with HIV in Finland, Sweden and Iceland.
 

According to the survey, one in ten respondents did not disclose being positive to sex partners. Moreover, nearly thirty percent reported that they had had unprotected sex in spite of the condition.

The survey found that over half of Finnish HIV carriers consider their health condition to be good, and also believe health services they receive to be of high quality.

Respondents said that carrying the virus oftentimes means isolation and loneliness.

Some 170 persons took the survey in Finland.