Abstract:
Background :- Studies on the risky sexual behaviors have reported that sero-status disclosure
leads to safer sexual behaviors. There is however risky sexual behavior among disclosed youth
living with human immune virus (HIV) and human immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Despite,
attention has been given for its prevention. It is the leading cause of death among youth in
Africa. In Ethiopia new HIV infection among youth is 33% of adult new HIV infection and
unprotected sex is major route of transmission.
Objective:- To compare status of risky sexual behaviors and its association with sereo-status
disclosure among HIV positive youths attending Anti-retroviral therapy in Bench-Maji zone, south-
West Ethiopia.
Methods:-Cross sectional study was conducted among youth attending ART clinics, in Bench-Maji
zone. Data was collected using pre-tested interviewer administrating questionnaires from 288 HIV
positive youth using consecutive sampling technique from March 21 to May 4/2018. Descriptive
statistics, bivariate analysis, multivariate logistic regressions were used accordingly.
Result: - In this study reported risky sexual behaviors, except having causal partner ((56.2%)
disclosed vs (22.8%) non-disclosed (p-value<0.001). Never or often use of condom [(72.8% vs
71.9%) (p-value=0.710)] and having multiple sexual partners [(30.1% vs 37.5%) (p-value=0.421)]
were did not differ based on disclosure status of youth attending ART in Benche Maji Zone.
Regarding factor associated with risky sexual behaviors; Marital status; being married or in
relationship [AOR(95%CI) 2.426(1.115,5.280)],having no knowledge regarding HIV prevention
[AOR(95%CI) 2.032(1.032,3.791)],more than three time per week alcohol drinking [AOR(95%CI)
3.193(1.192,8.552)],and once per month or at holiday alcohol drinking [AOR(95%CI)
2.674(1.152,6.206)] were showed a significant association with risky sexual behaviors. Sero-status
disclosure can-not reach to statically significant association with risky sexual behavior.
Conclusion and recommendation:- this study shows risky sexual behaviors were exist among HIV
positive youth. Lack knowledge regarding HIV prevention, Alcohol drunk and being married or in
relationship were the identified associated factors of risky sexual behavior. Therefore, emphasis
should give to address identified factors
