title: Sexual behaviour among HIV-infected new mothers in South Africa 3-12 months after delivery.
abstract: The aim of this study was to assess sexual activity, condom use and disclosure of HIV infection status among HIV-infected women 3-12 months after delivery and to identify factors associated with unsafe sex. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 480 HIV-positive sexually active new mothers in 48 primary health care clinics in Nkangala District. Post-natal women were recruited by systematic sampling (every consecutive patient over a period of 2 months) and responded to a questionnaire. Overall, 31.9% reported unsafe sex with an HIV-uninfected of unknown-status partner. In multivariate regression analysis, not having disclosed their HIV status, having experienced physical partner violence, lack of male involvement and not having attended a support group were associated with unsafe sex. Several risk factors for unsafe sex post-natally have been identified and can be utilised in post-partum sexual health education programmes.
authors.affiliation: a Human Sciences Research Council , Pretoria , South Africa.
authors.forename: Karl
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Peltzer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000453:epidemiology; D017579:Domestic Violence; D005260:Female; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000635:transmission*; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009035:Mothers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012944:Social Support; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014342:Truth Disclosure