title: Sexual behavior of HIV-positive women in Cameroon.
abstract: This study aimed at describing the sexual behavior of HIV-positive women in Cameroon. In a cross-sectional study, 282 HIV-infected women were enrolled in 3 HIV-treatment clinics in Cameroon. Of the 282 participants, 257 had been diagnosed with HIV for more than 6 months. Approximately half (46.8%) of these 257 women reported no sex partners in the 6 months before the study; 42.9% had 1 partner; and 1.5% had more than 1 partner. There was a significant decrease in the number of partners, new partners, and an increase in condom use with these partners following HIV diagnosis (P value < .05). However, more than half (55.2%) of the sexually active participants reported inconsistent or no condom use during sexual intercourse. Although HIV-positive women tend to adopt less risky behavior after HIV diagnosis, a substantial proportion of sexually active ones still have risky behaviors. Reinforcing risk reduction programs for these women is imperative.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon.
authors.forename: Noella M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Njabanou
authors.forename: Julius
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Atashili
authors.forename: Dora
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mbanya
authors.forename: Enow R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Mbu
authors.forename: George M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Ikomey
authors.forename: Charles A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Kefie
authors.forename: Thompson N
authors.initials: TN
authors.lastname: Kinge
authors.forename: Dorothee
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Etogo
authors.forename: Adaora A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Adimora
authors.forename: Peter M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Ndumbe
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002163:Cameroon; D017280:Condoms; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult