Population Council Research that makes a difference

Abstract

Sexual risk behavior and HAART: A comparative study of HIV-infected persons on HAART and on preventive therapy in Kenya (HTML) 
Sarna,Avina; Luchters,Stanley; Geibel,Scott; Kaai,Susan; Munyao,Paul; Shikely,Khadija; Mandaliya,Kishorchandra N.; van Dam,C.Johannes; Temmerman,Marleen
International Journal of STD and AIDS 19(2): 85-89
Publication date: 2008

---

Unprotected sex among persons receiving HAART remains a concern because of the risk of HIV transmission. A cross-sectional study comparing the sexual risk behaviour of 179 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 unprotected sex with regular partners (OR: 3.9; 95%CI: 1.8-8.4) and also more STI symptoms (OR: 1.7; 95%CI: 1.0-2.8; P=0.059). More than 40 percent 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.

---