2023/11/04 by Dengia, Tariku, Wirtu, Dessalegn, Tesfaye, Tariku +1
#ART #Clients #Risky sexual behaviors #associated factors
paper · doi:10.20372/star.v11i3.04
Risky sexual behaviours are a global concern affecting both developed and developing countries. Some adult people living with the human immunodeficiency virus who have risky sexual behaviours are at great risk of human immunodeficiency virus infection transmission, acquiring resistant strains, and sexually transmitted infections.To assess the risky sexual behaviours and associated factors among people living with HIV who are currently attending antiretroviral therapy in the East Wollega Zone. An institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among adult people living with HIV who are attending anti-retroviral therapy from September to November 2021. Using the systematic random sampling technique, a total of 538 respondents participated in the study from clinics. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews. The collected data were entered into EPI-Info version 3.5.1 and analysed using SPSS version 24. Descriptive statistics, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were done. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered to determine the statistical significance of the association between factors (independent variables) and risky sexual behavior. Variables showing association with the outcome variable at the bivariate level were transported to the second model for multivariate analyses. An adjusted odds ratio in multivariable analysis with a 95% CI was used to estimate the degree of association. A total of 537 (99.8%) respondents participated in the study. Of the study participants, 46.4% (95% CI: 41.8%–52.0%) engaged in risky sexual behaviour in the past six months prior to the study. Being in the age range of 18–29 years (AOR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.21-4.07), having multiple sexual partners (AOR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.31-3.65), alcohol consumption (AOR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.34–2.86), substance use (AOR = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.38–4.08), and pattern of condom use were significantly associated with risky sexual behavior. A high number of people living with HIV were found to have risky sexual behaviours in the study area. Therefore, emphasis should be given to the risky sexual behaviours of HIV-positive individuals to effectively use condoms consistently, give extensive counselling and health education at ART appointments and in follow-up care, and enhance knowledge on the prevention of HIV transmission and safer sex practices.