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

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.

Keywords:

• sexual behaviour
• HIV-positive new mothers
• risk factors
• primary care facilities
• South Africa

Acknowledgement

This research has been supported by the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) under the terms of Cooperative Agreement Number U2G/PS000570.