Background: Risky sexual behavior (RSB) increases the risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission. There are few documented studies on the pattern of RSB and associated factors among people living with HIV. This study aimed to determine the pattern and proportion of HIV-positive patients with RSB and and its associated factors at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Methods: A cross-sectional study of 314 sexually active persons receiving antiretroviral therapy treatment for at least 1 month was done using a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Study-related data were obtained and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Science version 21.0. Bivariate analysis to find the association between age, sex, level of education, and occupation and RSB was explored with Chi-square test.
Results: The mean age of respondents was 38.6 8.6 years while 43.6% were male. At least one RSB was reported in 42.4% ( n = 314). RSBs such as nonconsistent condom use was reported by 25.2%, multiple sexual partners by 4.8%, not knowing partner's HIV status (16.1%), and nondisclosure of status to sexual partner (12.1%). Females (47.5%) were more likely to engage in RSB compared to males (35.8%), P = 0.038. Nonconsistent condom use was reported by 32.2% of females compared to 16.1% of males, P = 0.001. Not being sure of partner's status was responsible for RSB in 21.5% of females compared to 10.2% of males, P = 0.008. Having multiple sexual partners was more in male 10.9%, P < 0.001.
Conclusion: RSB occurs more in females and the risk of transmitting HIV to serodiscordant partner exists. Counseling and targeted behavioral change intervention should be instituted to reduce RSB.