Demographic Characteristics and Sexual Behaviours of Antiretroviral treatment (ART) Clinic attendees in a Secondary Health Facility in Southern Nigeria: a Cross#Sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Heterosexual transmission via unprotected sexual intercourse with a partner who is HIV positive still remains the primary mode of acquiring HIV in Nigeria as in other sub#Saharan countries. This study assessed the demographic characteristics and sexual behaviours of ART clinic attendees in a secondary health facility in southern Nigeria.

Methodology: This descriptive cross#sectional survey was conducted among HIV#positive men and women who were attending ART clinic at the Central Hospital, Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria from June to August, 2009. A structured and pre#tested questionnaire was the tool for data collection. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 16 statistical software.

Results: A total of 406 respondents with a mean age of 37.4 ± 9.5 years participated in the study. They were made of 301 (74.1%) females and 105 (25.9%) males. Majority (40.6%) were in the age group 25 – 34 years. Most (88.4%) attendees were on HAART. Three hundred and sixty#five (89.9%) were sexually active. Among
these, 273 (74.8%) had one partner while 92 (25.2%) had more than one partner. Condom was used always by only 97 (26.6%), sometimes used by 118 (32.3%) while 150 (41.1%) did not use condom. Age, gender, level of education, marital status and religion were significantly associated with the use of condom. Logistic regression analysis showed that only gender was identified as a significant predictor of condom use.

Conclusion: Risky sexual behaviours i.e. unprotected sexual intercourse was high among the ART clinic attendees. Female respondents were less likely to use condom during sexual intercourse. Efforts should be made by health care workers to educate ART clinic attendees especially females on the implications of risky
sexual behaviours.

Keywords: Sexual behaviours, ART clinic attendees, General Hospital, Agbor, Southern Nigeria