title: Change in sexual activity 12 months after ART initiation among HIV-positive Mozambicans.
abstract: We assessed sexual behaviors before and 12-months after ART initiation among 277 Mozambicans attending an HIV clinic. Measured behaviors included the number of sexual partners, condom use, concurrent relationships, disclosure of HIV status, alcohol use, and partners' serostatus. Compared to before ART initiation, increases were seen 12 months after ART in the proportion of participants who were sexually active (48% vs. 64% respondents, P < 0.001) and the proportion of participants with HIV-negative or unknown serostatus partners (45% vs. 80%, P < 0.001). Almost all (96%) concurrent partnerships reported at 12 months formed after ART initiation. Although reported correct and consist condom use increased, the number of unprotected sexual relationships remained the same (n = 45). Non-disclosure of HIV-serostatus to sexual partners was the only significant predictor of practicing unprotected sex with partners of HIV-negative or unknown serostatus. Sexual activity among HIV-positive persons on ART increased 12 months after ART initiation. Ongoing secondary transmission prevention programs addressing sexual activity with multiple partners, disclosure to partners and consistent condom use with serodisconcordant partners must be incorporated throughout HIV care programs.
authors.affiliation: School of Social Work, Indigenous Wellness and Research Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-1525, USA. pearsonc@u.washington.edu
authors.forename: Cynthia R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Pearson
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cassels
authors.forename: Ann E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Kurth
authors.forename: Pablo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Montoya
authors.forename: Mark A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Micek
authors.forename: Stephen S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Gloyd
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009073:Mozambique / Q000453:epidemiology; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014342:Truth Disclosure; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents