Abstract
Background. There are millions of people globally living with HIV and who have been infected with a sexually transmitted disease in their lifetime or have gone through the experience of an unplanned pregnancy. Despite campaigns that aim to raise awareness and promote safe sex practices, individuals still engage in risky and unsafe sex, thereby putting their lives at risk. This is further aggravated by the use of substances that creates a lowered sense of inhibition which may lead to sexual risk-taking behaviour. Moreover, several studies have been conducted on the effects of substance use and the choice to engage in safe sex practices. However, very few of these studies were conducted whilst substance users were undergoing treatment in a rehabilitation facility whilst not under the use of substances for a period of time.
Aim and Objectives. This study aimed to explore and describe the safe sex perceptions, awareness, and educational needs of substance users undergoing treatment in a rehabilitation facility in the Free State, South Africa. The objectives of the study included the exploration and description of perceptions regarding condom use and the use of oral contraceptives as safe sex practices amongst rehabilitated substance users. Moreover, the study endeavoured to explore and describe the safe sex educational needs of substance users in order to make recommendations for consideration by rehabilitation facilities regarding patients’ educational needs pertaining to safe sex practices.
Method. The qualitative study utilised a case study research design in order to further understand the sexual practices of substance users and to explore their educational needs which would inform future interventions by rehabilitation facilities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine participants which consisted of five males and four females. Participants were admitted into a rehabilitation facility due to substance abuse at the time the study took place.
Results. Findings revealed that participants had an awareness of safe sex practices. They understood that it entailed the use of condoms in order to protect themselves from unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. Nevertheless, participants acknowledged that they did not practice safe sex consistently and the use of substances had an influence on their decision-making. Further, participants acknowledged that even though they were informed about safe sex practices, they did not think of the dangers they were placing themselves under when using substances. The need to continue raising awareness and offer information on the correct use of female condoms, oral contraceptives, and masturbation as forms of safe sex practices is required.
Keywords: safe sex, safe sex practices, substance use.