Sex and relationships for HIV positive women since HAART: a quantitative study.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate current levels of sexual activity, enjoyment, condom use, and other factors affecting sexual behaviour in a sample of women living with HIV.


METHODS
Participants were self selected. A cross sectional design using semi-structured questionnaires was employed. 82 HIV positive women completed questionnaires asking about demographics, relationships, sexual behaviour, and safer sex practices. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS) were administered.


RESULTS
28% of women had had no sexual partners since diagnosis. Mean time diagnosed was 69 months, range 4-191 months. Time since diagnosis was not associated with having had a sexual partner. 59% of women had a current sexual partner, half reporting intercourse in the past month. Infrequent sex (84%), avoidance (84%), non-communication (69%), and dysfunction (60%) were among the most prevalent sexual difficulties. Endorsement of HIV impaired sexual enjoyment was associated with reduced sexual frequency (p = 0.006) and sexual dysfunction (p = 0.042). Sexual dissatisfaction was associated with infrequency of sex (p = 0.037), avoidance (p = 0.02), and non-communication (p = 0.032). Clinically significant levels of anxiety and depression were reported in 60% and 38% of cases, respectively. Depression was associated with avoidance of sex and higher total GRISS scores (p = 0.006 and p = 0.042). 60% of respondents stated that they "always" used condoms; a trend was observed between reduced condom use and higher levels of depression and anxiety (p = 0.09 and p = 0.06, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
Sexual difficulties, including abstinence, were prevalent in this sample indicating the potential for interventions addressing the psychosexual needs of HIV positive women and their partners.
Lambert
S
S
Department of Medical Psychology, Essex County Hospital, Lexden Road, Colchester CO3 3NB, UK. sarahannlambert@hotmail.com
Keegan
A
A
Petrak
J
J
D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008131:London / Q000453:epidemiology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D021841:Safe Sex; D012742:Sex Offenses; D012725:Sexual Behavior