Knowing the Consequences of Unprotected Sex with Seroconcordant Partner
Is Associated with Increased Safer Sex Intentions among HIV-positive
Men in Kathmandu, Nepal
Unprotected sexual intercourse among HIV-positive people can adversely
affect their own health by increasing their exposure to multiple
strains of HIV-1 or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The
study explored the relationship between knowledge of Nepalese
HIV-positive men about the consequences of having unprotected sex with
seroconcordant partners and their intention to practise safer sex with
such partners. In total, 166 participants recruited conveniently in the
Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, were interviewed. Each participant reported
intention to practise safer sex with seroconcordant partners, knowledge
about the consequences of having unprotected sex with seroconcordant
partners, perceived partner-related barriers to condom-use, belief that
condoms interfere with sex, and condom-use self-efficacy. Of the 166
participants, 50.6% intended to practise safer sex every time they have
sex with seroconcordant partners. Results of multiple logistic
regression analysis showed that the participants who were aware of the
possibility of HIV superinfection [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=2.93, 95%
confidence interval (CI) 1.167.34, p=0.022)] or that the presence of
STIs in HIV-positive persons increases progression of HIV disease
(AOR=2.80, 95% CI 1.08-7.26, p=0.033) were more likely to intend to
practise safer sex with seroconcordant partners. Similarly, the
participants who were employed or who had lower levels of belief that
condoms interfere with sex were more likely to intend to practise safer
sex. The findings suggest that improving the knowledge of HIV-positive
persons about the consequences of having unprotected sex with
seroconcordant partners might improve their intention to practise safer
sex with such partners