Belize has the highest rates of HIV infection in Central America and is experiencing a generalized epidemic. The Garífuna, a minority ethnic population, is at risk for HIV. This study uses survey data from Gar...Belize has the highest rates of HIV infection in Central America and is experiencing a generalized epidemic. The Garífuna, a minority ethnic population, is at risk for HIV. This study uses survey data from Garífuna men and women to examine the frequency of multiple partnerships as well as sociodemographic characteristics and behavioral constructs correlated with having multiple partners. A high proportion of respondents reported having multiple partners, but rates were significantly higher for men, and men had a higher mean number of partners than women. A high proportion of respondents reported having a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the last year, with more men reporting a history of STIs than women. Regression results show the importance of improving men and women’s perceived susceptibility for HIV and encouraging them to know their HIV status. Reinforcing a social norm for partner reduction would also benefit men. Study findings support the need for HIV counseling and testing in Garífuna communities as well as STI prevention, diagnosis and treatment. This study demonstrates that reducing multiple partnerships among Garífuna men and women is critical for reducing the spread of HIV in Belize.展开更多
Inconsistent condom use among persons on antiretroviral treatment (ART) is a major public health concern because of the risk of HIV transmission. This study examined the association between socio-demographic variables...Inconsistent condom use among persons on antiretroviral treatment (ART) is a major public health concern because of the risk of HIV transmission. This study examined the association between socio-demographic variables and knowing partners’ HIV status, multiple sex partners, and consistent condom use among 400 HIV-infected adults who had received ART for at least six months in Johannesburg, South Africa. The study used a cross-sectional survey and a structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Over half (n = 225, 56.3%) of participants were on ART for more than two years. Two thirds (n = 234, 63.2%) were aware of partner’s HIV status. Over a third (n = 136, 34.0%) reported having more than one sex partners. Three quarters (n = 279, 75.8%) reported consistent condom use with regular partner. Discussing HIV testing (aOR = 2.28, CI: 1.31 -3.95), awareness of partner’s HIV status (aOR = 2.59, CI: 1.50 -4.46), level of education (aOR = 0.64, CI: 0.42 -0.98), and duration on ART (aOR = 0.71, CI: 1.31 -3.95) were predictors for consistent condom use. Awareness of partner’s HIV status was associated with multiple partnership (aOR = 0.38, CI: 0.21 -0.66), living with partner (aOR = 4.75, CI: 2.86 -7.91), discussing HIV testing (aOR = 2.43, CI: 1.48 -3.99), and duration on ART (aOR = 2.04, CI: 1.43 -2.92). While gender (aOR = 5.68, CI: 3.46 -9.34), marital status (aOR = 0.44, CI: 0.25 -0.77), and awareness of partner’s HIV status (aOR = 0.52, CI: 0.30 -0.89) were associated with multiple partnerships. Risky sexual behaviours occurred in all types of partners and knowing partner’s HIV status was a predictor for consistent condom use with all types of partners. It is essential that HIV prevention strategies create an enabling environment for disclosure and reductions of risky sexual behaviours by HIV-infected persons on ART.展开更多
文摘Belize has the highest rates of HIV infection in Central America and is experiencing a generalized epidemic. The Garífuna, a minority ethnic population, is at risk for HIV. This study uses survey data from Garífuna men and women to examine the frequency of multiple partnerships as well as sociodemographic characteristics and behavioral constructs correlated with having multiple partners. A high proportion of respondents reported having multiple partners, but rates were significantly higher for men, and men had a higher mean number of partners than women. A high proportion of respondents reported having a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the last year, with more men reporting a history of STIs than women. Regression results show the importance of improving men and women’s perceived susceptibility for HIV and encouraging them to know their HIV status. Reinforcing a social norm for partner reduction would also benefit men. Study findings support the need for HIV counseling and testing in Garífuna communities as well as STI prevention, diagnosis and treatment. This study demonstrates that reducing multiple partnerships among Garífuna men and women is critical for reducing the spread of HIV in Belize.
文摘Inconsistent condom use among persons on antiretroviral treatment (ART) is a major public health concern because of the risk of HIV transmission. This study examined the association between socio-demographic variables and knowing partners’ HIV status, multiple sex partners, and consistent condom use among 400 HIV-infected adults who had received ART for at least six months in Johannesburg, South Africa. The study used a cross-sectional survey and a structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Over half (n = 225, 56.3%) of participants were on ART for more than two years. Two thirds (n = 234, 63.2%) were aware of partner’s HIV status. Over a third (n = 136, 34.0%) reported having more than one sex partners. Three quarters (n = 279, 75.8%) reported consistent condom use with regular partner. Discussing HIV testing (aOR = 2.28, CI: 1.31 -3.95), awareness of partner’s HIV status (aOR = 2.59, CI: 1.50 -4.46), level of education (aOR = 0.64, CI: 0.42 -0.98), and duration on ART (aOR = 0.71, CI: 1.31 -3.95) were predictors for consistent condom use. Awareness of partner’s HIV status was associated with multiple partnership (aOR = 0.38, CI: 0.21 -0.66), living with partner (aOR = 4.75, CI: 2.86 -7.91), discussing HIV testing (aOR = 2.43, CI: 1.48 -3.99), and duration on ART (aOR = 2.04, CI: 1.43 -2.92). While gender (aOR = 5.68, CI: 3.46 -9.34), marital status (aOR = 0.44, CI: 0.25 -0.77), and awareness of partner’s HIV status (aOR = 0.52, CI: 0.30 -0.89) were associated with multiple partnerships. Risky sexual behaviours occurred in all types of partners and knowing partner’s HIV status was a predictor for consistent condom use with all types of partners. It is essential that HIV prevention strategies create an enabling environment for disclosure and reductions of risky sexual behaviours by HIV-infected persons on ART.
