The impact of HIV antiretroviral treatment perception on risky sexual behaviour in Botswana: a short report

ABSTRACT

The aim of this article is to investigate the impact of ART perception on risky sexual behaviours in Botswana. Using binary logistic regression analysis controlling for individual characteristics, the results tend to support the hypothesis that ART misconceptions do not necessarily increase risky sexual behaviours. In particular, the study findings suggest the belief that ARVs cure HIV and AIDS and that people on ARVs should not always use condoms do not necessarily lead to increased risky sexual behaviours, particularly among women. Gender differentials exist in the perceived sexual risk resulting from the use of ART. Risky sexual behaviours increase for women who, wrongly, believed that ARVs cure HIV and AIDS and people on ARVs should not always use condoms. Although there is evidence to suggest ART perceptions do not necessarily lead to increased risky sexual behaviours, HIV and AIDS prevention programmes are needed to strengthen their information, education and communication intervention component that can address misconceptions about ART treatment and provide correct information that is gender-appropriate.

KEYWORDS:

• Antiretroviral treatment perception
• risky sexual behaviour
• impact
• cross-sectional survey
• Botswana

Acknowledgement

We wish to thank Statistics Botswana and National AIDS Coordinating Agency for allowing us to us their data for this analysis.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.