Predictors of condom use amongst HIV-infected individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART)

International Conference on HIV/AIDS, STDs, & STIs

October 24-25, 2013 Holiday Inn Orlando International Airport, Orlando, FL, USA

Clive Govender

Accepted Abstracts: J AIDS Clin Res

Abstract :

T he relationship between HIV+ status awareness and condom use patterns is unclear. The influence of knowledge of HIV status on sexual behavior has not been well studied in Africa, where positive prevention could potentially have the greatest impact. Our study was a sub-study of the Starting Antiretroviral Therapy at Three Points in Tuberculosis (SAPiT) trial. A behavioural questionnaire was administered to 642 patients at an urban clinic located in Durban, South Africa. Consistent condom use was defined as reported condom use during last sex act at months 6, 12, 18 and 24 of follow-up. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those who were aware of their HIV+ status prior to study enrolment (Group A) and those who only learned their HIV+ status at the time of study enrolment (Group B). Generalized estimating equations were used to assess factors associated with condom use at last sex act over time. At baseline, a total of 150 (46.4%) in group B reported condom use at their last sex act compared to 174 (59.0%) in group A (p=0.002). However at month 24, the rate of condom use was not significantly different (86.0% vs. 83.5%, p=0.57) in groups B and A respectively. Reported consistent condom use at last sex act was significantly higher in group A compared to group B (53.3% vs. 46.7%, p=0.01). HIV+ status awareness did not predict condom use over time [odds ratio (OR):1.2; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.9-1.5; p=0.15]. Male patients were more likely to use condoms at last sex act (OR: 2.7; 95% CI: 2.2?3.43; p<0.01). Older patients (OR: 0.8; 95% CI: 0.7?0.8; p<0.01), being never married (OR: 0.7; 95% CI: 0.5?0.9; p=0.01) or divorced/never married (OR: 0.5; 95% CI: 0.3?0.9; p=0.01) and being under the influence of alcohol during their last sex act (OR: 0.3; 95% CI: 0.2?0.4; p=<0.001) were less likely to use condoms at their last sex act. Knowledge of HIV+ status is significantly associated with consistent condom use. Age, gender, marital status and alcohol consumption are significant predictors of condom use during last sex act

Biography :

Clive Govender is currently completing his MPH degree with specialization in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Department of Public Health Medicine, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine. He is currently a CAPRISA research fellow and is currently pursuing research under the mentorship of his supervisor Dr. Kogieleum Naidoo (CAPRISA, Head of Treatment Research & Director of the CAPRISA eThekwini Treatment Clinic). He has a passionate interest in Public Mental Health and hopes to one day pursue a career in Psychiatric Epidemiolo