TITLE:
Disclosure, Multiple Sex Partners, and Consistent Condom Use among HIV Positive Adults on Antiretroviral Therapy in Johannesburg, South Africa
AUTHORS:
Sphiwe Madiba, Beverley Letsoalo
KEYWORDS:
Sexual Risk Behaviour; Condom Use; ART; South Africa; Partner’s Status; Multiple Partnerships; HIV Testing
JOURNAL NAME:
World Journal of AIDS,
Vol.4 No.1,
March
10,
2014
ABSTRACT: Inconsistent condom use
among persons on antiretroviral treatment (ART) is a major public health
concern because of the risk of HIV transmission. This study examined the
association between socio-demographic variables and knowing partners’ HIV
status, multiple sex partners, and consistent condom use among 400 HIV-infected
adults who had received ART for at least six months in Johannesburg, South
Africa. The study used a cross-sectional survey and a structured interviewer
administered questionnaire. Over half (n = 225, 56.3%) of participants were on
ART for more than two years. Two thirds (n = 234, 63.2%) were aware of
partner’s HIV status. Over a third (n = 136, 34.0%) reported having more than
one sex partners. Three quarters (n = 279, 75.8%) reported consistent condom
use with regular partner. Discussing HIV testing (aOR = 2.28, CI: 1.31 -3.95),
awareness of partner’s HIV status (aOR = 2.59, CI: 1.50 -4.46), level of
education (aOR = 0.64, CI: 0.42 -0.98), and duration on ART (aOR = 0.71, CI:
1.31 -3.95) were predictors for consistent condom use. Awareness of partner’s
HIV status was associated with multiple partnership (aOR = 0.38, CI: 0.21 -0.66),
living with partner (aOR = 4.75, CI: 2.86 -7.91), discussing HIV testing (aOR =
2.43, CI: 1.48 -3.99), and duration on ART (aOR = 2.04, CI: 1.43 -2.92).
While gender (aOR = 5.68, CI: 3.46 -9.34), marital status (aOR = 0.44, CI:
0.25 -0.77), and awareness of partner’s HIV status (aOR = 0.52, CI: 0.30 -0.89) were associated with multiple partnerships. Risky sexual behaviours
occurred in all types of partners and knowing partner’s HIV status was a
predictor for consistent condom use with all types of partners. It is essential
that HIV prevention strategies create an enabling environment for disclosure
and reductions of risky sexual behaviours by HIV-infected persons on ART.