Sex after ART: sexual partnerships established by HIV-infected persons taking anti-retroviral therapy in Eastern Uganda.
This paper explores the social contexts that influence the formation and nature of sexual partnerships among people on anti-retroviral therapy (ART). We draw on the findings of a qualitative, longitudinal study of 70 people (36 women and 34 men) who have been participating in a home-based ART programme for over three years in Eastern Uganda. Since initiating ART, 32 (18 men and 14 women) participants reported having had a new partner. Five participants (4 men and 1 woman) renewed relationships with spouses with whom they had been prior to starting ART. Overall, 37 of the 70 participants had had a sexual partner after starting ART. Companionship, material support, social and cultural norms, as well as a desire for sex and children, are drivers of new relationships. The opportunity that ART brings for people to get on with their lives brings with it a reinstatement into a social world that places a value on marriage and child-bearing. The sexual rights of those living with HIV and on ART need to be taken seriously and safer sex facilitated.
Seeley
Janet
J
School of Development Studies, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK. j.seeley@uea.ac.uk
Russell
Steven
S
Khana
Kenneth
K
Ezati
Enoch
E
King
Rachel
R
Bunnell
Rebecca
R
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D000328:Adult; D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002391:Catchment Area, Health; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015438:Health Behavior; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012944:Social Support; D014454:Uganda / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents