Socio-demographic, marital and psychosocial predictors of safe sex behaviour among Mozambican women at risk for HIV/AIDS

Abstract

Heterosexual encounters remain the primary route for HIV transmission in  Africa. Safer sex behaviour is not adopted by many women due to several  social and psychological factors. This paper aims to identify socio- demographic, marital and psychosocial predictors associated with current sexual activity and condom use in Mozambican women at sexual risk for  HIV/AIDS. Women (173), patients at a public hospital and at risk for HIV infection, completed measures of condom use negotiation self-efficacy, perceived barriers against safer sex, current sexual activity and condom use. Having more than 6 years of education and being younger and single were significant predictors for current sexual activity and condom use. Regarding psychosocial factors, talking about AIDS with partners, condom
use negotiation self-efficacy and fewer perceived barriers to safer sex were significant predictors for current sexual activity (intention to use and buy/get condoms). Condom use negotiation self-efficacy is a significant predictor for condom use. These results should be considered in new HIV prevention intervention design in Mozambique.

Keywords: HIV prevention, Mozambique, sexual behaviours, women’s health