Sexual Behavior and Risky Practices among Adults Living with HIV/AIDS in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Background: HIV/AIDS remains a public health challenge with an estimated 37.9 million persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) globally. Risky sexual behaviours/practices among PLWHA increase the likelihood of co-infection and further spread of infection. Understanding the pattern of these behaviours will aid in the modelling of campaigns to control further spread of infection.

Aim: To examine sexual behaviour and risky practices among adults living with HIV in Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Methodology: Six hundred (600) participants were recruited for this cross-sectional study from the HIV/AIDS clinics at Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa, and Otuasega Cottage Hospital, Ogbia in Bayelsa State, after obtaining informed consent. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data comprising socio-demographic characteristics and the sexual activities/behaviour of the respondents in this study. The data obtained from the study were analyzed and presented as frequencies and percentages.

Results: Most of the respondents reported sexual intercourse 532(88.7%) 3 months to study. Sexual intercourse with casual partners 20(3.8%), multiple sexual partners 72(12%), and sex workers 2(0.4%) were observed among the respondents. Regular use of condoms during sex was reported by 63(11.8%), while 200(37.6%) sometimes, 96(18.0%) rarely, and 173(32.5%) never. A recent treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) was reported by 115(19.2%). Alcohol use before sex was reported by 218(36.3%). Overall, 253(42.2%) of the respondents engaged in at least one form of risky sexual behaviour.

Conclusion: There is a preponderance of risky sexual behaviour/practices among PLWHA in Bayelsa State that may account for coinfection with STI as well as increase HIV/AIDS transmission.