title: Sexual risk related behaviour among youth living with HIV in central Uganda: implications for HIV prevention.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  As young people living with HIV grow their sexual behaviour and it's implication on HIV prevention is of concern. This study describes the sexual risk related-behaviours and factors associated with abstinence among Youth Living with HIV in central Uganda.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a cross-sectional study among 338 unmarried youth between 15 and 24 years accessing HIV care in central Uganda. Data was collected using interviewer administered structured questionnaires. Adjusted prevalence proportion ratios (adj. PPRs) of factors associated with sexual abstinence for at least six months were determined by multivariable log-binomial regression.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall, 79% (269/338) of respondents were abstaining from sexual intercourse for atleast six months, although, 45% (150/338) had ever been sexually active. Of the 283 respondents who desired to get married in future, 40% preferred negative marriage partners. Only 31% (39/126) of respondents in boy/girl relationships had disclosed their HIV status to their partners. Among those currently sexually active (n = 69), 57% did not consistently use condoms and 30% had more than one sexual partner in the past six months. The adj.PRR of abstinence was higher among youth between 15 and 19 years compared to those between 20 and 24 years (adj. PPR = 1.26, 95% CI; 1.08-1.46). The prevalence of abstinence was significantly lower among respondent who consumed alcohol (adj. PPR = 0.31, 95% CI 0.16-0.61).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Tailored interventions promoting disclosure, consistent condoms use and discouraging alcohol consumption among sero-positive youth could reduce HIV transmission risk.
authors.affiliation: Research Department, Ernest Cook Ultrasound Research and Education Institute, Mengo Hospital, Kampala, Uganda; Makerere University School of Public Health, MPH Program Alumni, Makerere, Uganda.
authors.forename: Racheal
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ankunda
authors.affiliation: Makerere University School of Public Health, Makerere, Uganda.
authors.forename: Lynn Muhimbuura
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Atuyambe
authors.affiliation: Makerere University School of Public Health, Makerere, Uganda.
authors.forename: Noah
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kiwanuka
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012747:Sexual Partners; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014342:Truth Disclosure; D014454:Uganda; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: HIV prevention; Sexual risk related behavior; abstinence; youth living with HIV/AIDS