Risky Sexual Practices and Associated Factors among Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) Attendees in Health Centers of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Human immune deficiency virus/Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is one of the major public health problems throughout the world. Nowadays Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) is expanded in health institutions and HIV positive individuals who are eligible for ART are taking. Studies show re-infection and transmission of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is occurring within them. Objective: the objective of this study was to assess risky sexual practice and associated factors among HIV positive ART attendee’s in health centers of Addis Ababa. Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study was employed in randomly selected health centers. Quantitative data collection methods were considered. Data were entered and analysed using SPSS version 16.0 statistical package. After the effect of each variable was observed by bivariate analysis, multiple logistic regressions analysis used to identify the predictors of risky sexual practice. Results: Majority of the respondents 34.6% and 31.9% were in the age group 25-31 and 32- 38 respectively. The mean age of the total respondents was 35.28 ± 8.94(SD). From a total of 376 respondents 30.4% had a history of risky sexual practice which is inconsistent condom use in the three months prior to the study. Factors associated with risky sexual practice included: alcohol consumption (AOR=2.01,95% CI: 1.07, 3.77) single and widowed respondents were also significantly associated with odds of risk (AOR=0.29, 95%CI: 0.15, 0.59) and (AOR=0.32, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.77) respectively. Ethnicity (AOR=0.49, 95%CI: 0.27, 0.91) showed significant relationship with risky sexual practice. Conclusion and recommendation: In this study 30.4% of respondents engaged in risky sexual practice.Health providers should encourage, support and allow clients towards effective utilization of condom.