This study investigated Knowledge, self-esteem and intimacy on health status
disclosure among people living with hepatitis in Makurdi metropolis. Using a cross
Tsectional design method, 256 hepatitis patients made up of 160 males and 96 females
randomly selected to participate in the study responded to a Questionnaire developed from
four different instruments namely The Viral Hepatitis Questionnaire for Knowledge (VHQ)
The Rosenberg's Self-esteem Scale (RSES), The Functional Analytic Psychotherapy Intimacy
Scale (FAPIS) and the 15 Item questionnaire for self-disclosure. Data collected were analysed
with simple linear regression for the first and second hypothesis, multiple linear regression for
the third hypothesis and standard multiple regression for the fourth hypothesis. Results of the
study indicates that knowledge [R2=.697, F(1,254)=584.337, p<.001], Self-esteem [R2=.558,
F(1,254)=321.062, p<.001], Intimacy [R2=.642, F(3,252)=420.688, p<.001] and Self
Disclosure [R2=.506, F(3,252)=270.142, p<.001] all had a significant independent and joint
influence on health Status disclosure among People living with Hepatitis in Makurdi
Metropolis. The study concluded that self-disclosure has implication on the health seeking
behaviour of Individuals who have tested positive to hepatitis virus. From the findings of this
study, it is recommended that self-disclosure could be used as a means of overcoming, fear of
social Stigma affecting people living with hepatitis in Makurdi Metropolis. It is expected that,
by overcoming fear of stigma, hepatitis patient will naturally become available to present for
vaccination, care and treatment of hepatitis related Infections which will reduce further spread
of the Liver disease and its attendant social and economic impact

Key words: Knowledge, Self–Esteem, Intimacy, Self-Disclosure, Hepatitis