SEXUAL RISK BEHAVIOR OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV AND AIDS IN THE WA MUNICIPALITY

ABSTRACT

Introduction: HIV/AIDS remains one of the world’s most important Public Health issue according to WHO (2014). The Ghana AIDS Commission (2014) reports a linear downward trend of HIV since the year 2008. Several studies report different prevalence of sexual risk behavior among PLWHA, but very few studies have been conducted in Ghana. The primary mode of HIV transmission is through sexual contact, which accounts for a greater number of new HIV cases (Ghana AIDS Commission, 2013). Hence, the sexual behavior of PLWHA significantly determines the onward spread of the disease. Healthy sexual behavior by PLWHA improves their health by reducing STI’s and also reducing the spread of the disease through unprotected sex. This study aimed to assess the sexual risk practices among PLWHA in the Wa municipal.

Objectives: This study was conducted to assess condom use, identify multiple sexual relationships and factors associated with sexual risk behavior of PLWHA in the Wa municipality who visit the regional hospital for care and treatment.

Methods: The study is a cross sectional study which employed quantitative approach supported by qualitative method of data collection to better understand and explore the associated factors of Sexual Risk Behavior in PLWHA. Quantitative data were obtained through questionnaire on a sample of 382 PLWHA who were interviewed to collect the data. To obtain qualitative data, Focus Group Discussions were held among female and male participants separately. The study findings intend to help put in intervention planning as well as to enhance continued involvement of the GHS and concerned bodies in the promotion of healthy sexual practices.

Results: From the study, the prevalence of Sexual Risk Behavior (as defined by the study) among PLWHA was 78.3%. Study participants had a mean age of 33.35 years (SD 7.614). Concerning condom use in the preceding six months, a small proportion (19.4%) consistently used it. About one quarter (23.3%) never used a condom and 51% infrequently used it. More than half of the participants (62.8%) had one sexual partner, 26.9% engaged in multiple sexual partner relationships and 10.2% did not have any sexual partner. In Multivariate analysis, factors that were associated with sexual risk behavior were; Sex (aOR= 0.510, CI: 0.263- 0.989), Marital Status (widowed: aOR= 0.159, CI: 0.056- 0.448; Divorced: aOR= 0.118; CI: 0.038- 0.070), Level of Education (Secondary/Tertiary: aOR= 0.266; CI: 0.091- 0.0775), Partner’s HIV Status (Positive: aOR= 4.869; CI: 2.118- 11.193), HIV Status Disclosure (Never disclosed: aOR= 8.651; CI: 2.126- 35.204) and ART Related Sexual Desire (Increased Sexual Desire: aOR= 0.130; CI:0.28-0.595).

Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of risky sexual behavior among PLWHA receiving treatment and care services in the Wa Regional Hospital. Effective interventions are required to target consistent condom uses among PLWHA as well as education on single sexual partners as a way to avert HIV transmissions.