Psychosocial factors that influence risky sexual behaviors among HIV-positive men and women

Background:

Although evidence suggests the common practice of risky sexual behaviors among HIV-positive men, no study has examined such behaviors among HIV-positive women in Nepal. Thus, we assessed the risky sexual behaviors and psychosocial factors that influence such behaviors among HIV-positive men and women in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal.

Methods: 

We conducted a cross-sectional study among 183 men and 136 women living with HIV, using a structured questionnaire with face-to-face interviews. Measures included socio-demographic, health, substance use, sexual behavior, and various psychosocial factors. Data were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results:

Participants were, on average, 34.3 years old (men= 35.6, women= 32.6) and 68.7% were currently married (men= 72.7%, women= 63.2%). A total of 154 men (84.2%) and 72 women (52.9%) disclosed having had sex in the past six months and of them 45.5% men and 63.9% women did not always use condoms during their sexual intercourses. The participants who reported multiple partners (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]= 2.11, 95% confidence interval [CI]= 1.02–4.35) and higher levels of belief that condom interfere with sex (AOR= 2.66, 95% CI= 1.45–4.86) were more likely to practice unprotected sex and those who tested HIV-positive over 52 months (AOR= 0.52, 95% CI= 0.29–0.94)  and had higher levels of condom use self-efficacy (AOR= 0.41, 95% CI= 0.22–0.76) were less likely to practice unprotected sex during the past six months.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest an urgent need of sexual risk reduction intervention among HIV-positive men and women in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal.