Changes in sexual behaviour, following a diagnosis of HIV infection, in a group of South African males.
Date
2013-01-25
Authors
Baraldi, Ezio
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Abstract
Background: The inexorable spread of HIV infection across all continents is
attributable to many factors, including male sexual behaviour. Such behaviour
is often considered recalcitrant to change.
Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine if sexual behaviour does or
does not change after the diagnosis of HIV infection and to elucidate some of
the psychosocial factors that may be operant in this context.
Materials and Methods: The research consisted of a structured selfadministered
questionnaire designed to measure ten psychosexual and sociosexual
parameters in a group of HIV positive men. The questionnaire
evaluated parameters at three different time points i.e. before HIV diagnosis,
one year after HIV diagnosis and the present (2002). Participants were
recruited from patients attending a private HIV treatment centre, in Pretoria,
South Africa.
Results: 53 participants completed the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics
were used to elucidate trends. Statistically significant changes were seen in
most studied domains, suggesting that beneficial change in sexual behaviour
is possible after a diagnosis of HIV infection. These changes were seen, over
time, in all the measured parameters, thus, change appears both possible and
sustainable. This change was often detrimental to participants as it impacted
negatively on some aspects of their personal and social functioning. Safer sex
knowledge was weak in the studied group.
Conclusion: The data indicate that change in behaviour is possible after a
diagnosis of HIV infection and occurred in the studied population. Some
changes were good for public health initiatives; many were detrimental to the
psychosexual functioning of participants. Public health officials and other
medical practitioners should include interventions aimed at reducing the
negative psychosocial impact of HIV diagnosis at every patient encounter, as
these changes do not resolve by themselves over time and are detrimental to
the quality of life of patients.