HIV transmission risk behaviours among HIV seropositive sexually transmitted infection clinic patients in Cape Town, South Africa.
BACKGROUND
South Africa has one of the fastest growing HIV epidemics in the world and new infections may often result from people who have tested HIV positive. This study examined the sexual practices and risk behaviours of men and women living with HIV/AIDS being treated for a co-occurring sexually transmitted infection (STI).


METHODS
A sample of men and women receiving services at three South African STI clinics completed a computer administered behavioural assessment.


RESULTS
Among the 218 HIV positive STI clinic patients, 34 (16%) had engaged in unprotected vaginal or anal intercourse with uninfected or unknown HIV status sex partners in the previous month. A multivariate logistic regression indicated that unprotected sex with uninfected or unknown HIV status partners was independently associated with older age, female gender, alcohol use, and other drug use, and drug use in sexual contexts.


CONCLUSIONS
People living with HIV/AIDS who contract co-occurring STI are at significant risk for transmitting HIV to uninfected partners. Positive prevention interventions are urgently needed for South Africa.
Kalichman
Seth C
SC
Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA. seth.k@uconn.edu
Simbayi
Leickness C
LC
Cain
Demetria
D
D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission*; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology