Sexual behaviour among HIV-infected new mothers in South Africa 3-12 months after delivery

AIDS Care. 2014 Feb;26(2):186-90. doi: 10.1080/09540121.2013.803016. Epub 2013 Jun 2.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess sexual activity, condom use and disclosure of HIV infection status among HIV-infected women 3-12 months after delivery and to identify factors associated with unsafe sex. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 480 HIV-positive sexually active new mothers in 48 primary health care clinics in Nkangala District. Post-natal women were recruited by systematic sampling (every consecutive patient over a period of 2 months) and responded to a questionnaire. Overall, 31.9% reported unsafe sex with an HIV-uninfected of unknown-status partner. In multivariate regression analysis, not having disclosed their HIV status, having experienced physical partner violence, lack of male involvement and not having attended a support group were associated with unsafe sex. Several risk factors for unsafe sex post-natally have been identified and can be utilised in post-partum sexual health education programmes.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Depression, Postpartum / epidemiology
  • Domestic Violence
  • Female
  • HIV Seropositivity / transmission*
  • Health Education
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Mothers* / statistics & numerical data
  • Postpartum Period*
  • Pregnancy
  • Risk Factors
  • Sexual Behavior* / statistics & numerical data
  • Sexual Partners*
  • Social Support*
  • South Africa / epidemiology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Truth Disclosure