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Sexual Behaviour and Attitudes towards Safe Sex of Youth Receiving Antiretroviral Care at Public Health Facilities in Palapye District, Botswana

Author

Listed:
  • Onai Diura-Vere

    (Department of Public Health, School of Health Care Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa)

  • Mathildah M. Mokgatle

    (Department of Public Health, School of Health Care Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa)

  • Oluwafemi O. Oguntibeju

    (Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville 7535, South Africa)

Abstract

Background: Sexual behaviour of HIV-infected youths is very important in determining the direction of the HIV epidemic, as these youths are reservoirs of HIV and can propagate its transmission if they engage in risky sexual behaviours. However, support structures for secondary prevention are weak even in healthcare settings. There is a need to understand the sexual behaviour of these youths and, in turn, tailor appropriate secondary prevention strategies, hence the current study was designed to assess sexual behaviour and attitudes towards safe sex of youth receiving antiretroviral care at public health facilities in Palapye district, Botswana. Method: This quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional survey was used to describe the sexual behaviour and attitudes towards safe sex and identify factors associated with risky sexual behaviours among HIV-infected youths aged between 15 and 19 years receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) care from public healthcare facilities in Palapye District, Botswana. Results: A total of 188 youths participated in this study, 56% being females while 44% were males. We reported that 15.4% had ever had sex. At their last sexual encounter, more than half of the youths (51.7%) had not used condoms. More than a third of the participants were under the influence of alcohol during their last sexual experience. Generally, the youths had good attitudes towards safe sex, as most youths said they would prioritise protecting their sexual partners and themselves from HIV and STIs. Alcohol use, substance use and not considering religion as important were strongly associated with having ever had sex. Conclusions: A significant proportion of HIV-infected youths are sexually active, whereas their preventive practices such as condom use are poor despite good attitudes towards safe sex. Alcohol use, substance use and not perceiving religion as important were associated with risky sexual behaviours.

Suggested Citation

  • Onai Diura-Vere & Mathildah M. Mokgatle & Oluwafemi O. Oguntibeju, 2023. "Sexual Behaviour and Attitudes towards Safe Sex of Youth Receiving Antiretroviral Care at Public Health Facilities in Palapye District, Botswana," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-20, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:5:p:3790-:d:1075266
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Farai Kevin Munyayi & Brian van Wyk, 2022. "Closing the HIV Treatment Gap for Adolescents in Windhoek, Namibia: A Retrospective Analysis of Predictors of Viral Non-Suppression," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-10, November.
    2. Boitumelo Ditshwane & Matilda M. Mokgatle & Oluwafemi O. Oguntibeju, 2023. "Awareness, Utilization and Perception of Sexually Transmitted Infections Services Provided to Out-of-School-Youth in Primary Health Facilities in Tshwane, South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-17, January.
    3. Mathildah Mpata Mokgatle & Sphiwe Madiba & Lindiwe Cele, 2021. "A Comparative Analysis of Risky Sexual Behaviors, Self-Reported Sexually Transmitted Infections, Knowledge of Symptoms and Partner Notification Practices among Male and Female University Students in P," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-14, May.
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