Abstract:
Introduction: Prevention with a positive approach has been advocated as one of the main strategies to reduce new instances of
HIV infection. Risky sexual behaviours among people living with HIV/AIDS are the cornerstone for this approach. Understanding
the extent to which infected individuals practice risky behaviours is fundamental in designing appropriate population-specific
interventions. With the HIV infection transmission rates remaining high among young people in sub-Saharan Africa, continued
prevention among them remains a priority. This study therefore seeks to describe the magnitude and determinants of risky
sexual behaviours among young people living with HIV.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between June and July 2010 in selected Care and Treatment Clinics (CTCs)
in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. A total of 282 HIV-positive patients aged 15_24 were interviewed about their sexual behaviours using
a questionnaire.
Results: Prevalence of unprotected sex was 40.0% among young males and 37.5% among young females (pB0.001). Multiple
sexual partnerships were reported by 10.6% of males and 15.9% of females (pB0.005). More than 50% of the participants did
not know about the HIV status of their sexual partners. A large proportion of participants had minimal knowledge of
transmission (46.7% males vs. 60.4% females) and prevention (65.3% males vs. 73.4% females) of sexually transmitted infections
(STIs). Independent predictors of condom use included non-use of alcohol [adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 0.40 95% confidence
interval (CI); 0.17_0.84] and younger age (15_19 years) (AOR, 2.76, 95% CI: 1.05_7.27). Being on antiretroviral therapy (AOR,
0.38, 95% CI: 0.17_0.85) and not knowing partners’ HIV sero-status (AOR, 2.62, 95% CI: 1.14_5.10) predicted the practice of
multiple sexual partnership.
Conclusions: Unprotected sex and multiple sexual partnerships were prevalent among young people living with HIV. Less
knowledge on STI and lack of HIV disclosure increased the vulnerability and risk for HIV transmission among young people.
Specific intervention measures addressing alcohol consumption, risky sexual behaviours, and STI transmission and prevention
knowledge should be integrated in the routine HIV/AIDS care and treatment offered to this age group.
