Risky sexual behaviour and associated factors among HIV positive people on ART at Uganda Cares - St Balikuddembe Clinic : a cross sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: ART has enabled PLHIV to live as close to normal lives as the rest of the global population. The initial anti-retroviral drugs in a way deterred individuals from risky sexual behaviors because data didn’t show great beneficial reductions in HIV transmission. The newer anti-retroviral drug combinations have however greatly reduced the risk of HIV transmission. Be that as it may, the risk isn’t yet eliminated and thus risky sexual behavior among PLHIV still poses a public health concern. STIs and un-intended pregnancies are the other additional consequences. This study thus documented such behaviors among people on ART at Uganda Cares-St. Balikuddembe. Objectives: This study aimed at determining the prevalence of risky sexual behavior and associated factors among people on ART at Uganda Cares-St. Balikuddembe, Kampala. Methods: A cross sectional study of 419 ART clients conducted at AHF-Uganda Cares-St. Balikuddembe from January to February 2020. Systematic random sampling was used to collect data with a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Data were collected on risky sexual behavior and associated factors. Risky sexual behavior was defined as an HIV positive person having unprotected sex in the past six months with partner(s) whose HIV status is negative or unknown in the past six months. Data were entered into EPI info and transferred to Stata for analysis. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using modified Poisson regression method. Results: The prevalence of risky sexual behaviors was 28.7% [112/390] among the sexually active participants. A higher percentage of females (33.9%) compared to males (20.8%) exhibited risky sexual behaviors. Being in the age brackets of 18-29(aPR:4.55, p=0.003), 30-39(aPR:3.10, p=0.020) & 40-49(aPR:3.49, p=0.011), having had forced sex (aPR:1.41, p=0.050) and being on ART for >60 months (aPR:1.80, p=0.017) were significantly associated with risky sexual behaviors. Conclusion and recommendations: Among the 390 participants on ART, 28.7% exhibited risky sexual behaviors. Being 18-49 years old, having had forced sex and being on ART for >60 months were significantly associated with risky sexual behaviors. Strategies that reduce these behaviors should be developed or modified and implemented.