Abstract
Background: Understanding the extent to which people living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) practice sexual risky behavior is crucial to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV and improve treatment outcomes. Sexually transmitted infections remain a significant global public health concern and threat in realizing the goal of controlling the HIV epidemic, particularly in South Africa, where there is a high burden of HIV. The aim of this study was to assess STI's knowledge and determinants for sexual risk behavior among HIV-positive individuals attending primary health care (PHC) facilities in Tembisa, Ekurhuleni North sub-district, Gauteng Province. Method: Between 15 September 2020 and 31 March 2021, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 217 HIV-infected individuals attending primary health care (PHC) facilities in Ekurhuleni North Sub-district, Tembisa, Gauteng. An in-depth audio-recorded interview was also conducted in a subset of 21 individuals selected from among the 217 HIV-infected individuals. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, sexually transmitted infection (STI) symptoms, previous STI diagnosis, condoms, drugs, and alcohol abuse, and sexual risk behavior and practices were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. The audio-recorded interviews collected information on sexual behavior, attitudes, and practices were transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using manual thematic content analysis. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to describe the demographics and summarized data on STI prevalence, knowledge, and sexual risk behavior. Risk factors for STI prevalence and knowledge were evaluated using logistic binomial regression models. Results: The mean age for the study participants was 36±8.4, and two-thirds (66%) of the participants were women. Overall, the prevalence of self-reported STI after HIV diagnosis was 27.65% (95% CI: 21.8-34.1), and the mean STI knowledge score was 3.65±1.49, with 61% of participants having a better understanding knowledge of STI. In a logistic regression analysis, the odds of self-reported STI increased among individuals cohabiting (aOR 3.66; 95% CI, 1.01-13.18; p=0.047) and not consistently taking ARV (aOR 4.01; 95% CI, 1.02-15.64; p=0.045); and decrease in individuals who were 40 years and older (aOR...
M.Tech. (Biomedical Technology)