Sexual risk behaviour and HAART: A comparative study of HIV-infected persons on HAART and on preventive therapy in Kenya

  • Avina Sarna
  • , S. M.F. Luchters
  • , S. Geibel
  • , S. Kaai
  • , P. Munyao
  • , K. S. Shikely
  • , K. Mandaliya
  • , J. Van Dam
  • , M. Temmerman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

38 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Unprotected sex (UPS) among persons receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) remains a concern because of the risk of HIV-transmission. A cross-sectional study comparing the sexual risk behaviour of 179 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) receiving HAART with that of 143 PLHA receiving preventive therapy (PT) with cotrimoxazole/isoniazid was conducted in Mombasa, Kenya. Forty-five percent of all participants were sexually active in the last six months. Participants receiving PT were more likely to report ≥2 partners (13% vs.1%; P = 0.006). Participants receiving PT reported more UPS with regular partners (odds ratio [OR]: 3.9; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.8-8.4) and also more sexually transmitted infections (STI) symptoms (OR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.0-2.8; P = 0.059). More than 40% of all participants did not know the HIV-status of regular partners. Therefore, HAART was not associated with increased sexual risk behaviours though considerable risk of HIV-transmission remains. HIV-care services need to emphasize partner testing and consistent condom use with all partners.

Original languageEnglish (UK)
Pages (from-to)85-89
Number of pages5
JournalInternational Journal of STD and AIDS
Volume19
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Antiretroviral treatment
  • HIV
  • Sexual behaviour
  • Sexually transmitted infections

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