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Sexual risk behavior among people living with HIV/AIDS in Togo

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  • Moore, Ami R.
  • Oppong, Joseph

Abstract

Since HIV in Africa is spread primarily through unprotected sex, safe sex practices such as condom use can reduce HIV spread significantly. Nevertheless, because sexual behavior involves complex dynamics, condom use is not an easy option for many people in Africa despite years of condom distribution intervention. In fact, the complex nature of sexuality complicates efforts to combat HIV spread and limits the effectiveness of many prevention efforts. This paper uses theoretical explanations--social representation theory, situated rationality theory, and social action theory--to examine the patterns of sexual risk behavior and the underlying reasons and rationalization among people living with HIV/AIDS in Lomé, Togo. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 151 people living with HIV/AIDS, recruited from 3 HIV/AIDS centers. The results of this in-depth study suggest that although people living with HIV/AIDS may be aware of the risk of infecting their sexual partners, they deliberately ignore the risk because other considerations, such as wanting a baby, take precedence. Consequently, condom access is inadequate to change risky sexual behavior that spreads HIV. It must be supplemented with adequate empowerment.

Suggested Citation

  • Moore, Ami R. & Oppong, Joseph, 2007. "Sexual risk behavior among people living with HIV/AIDS in Togo," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 64(5), pages 1057-1066, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:64:y:2007:i:5:p:1057-1066
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mill, Judy E. & Anarfi, John K., 2002. "HIV risk environment for Ghanaian women: challenges to prevention," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 54(3), pages 325-337, February.
    2. Ekstrand, M.L. & Coates, T.J., 1990. "Maintenance of safer sexual behaviors and predictors of risky sex: The San Francisco men's health study," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 80(8), pages 973-977.
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    Cited by:

    1. Loubiere, Sandrine & Peretti-Watel, Patrick & Boyer, Sylvie & Blanche, Jérôme & Abega, Séverin-Cécile & Spire, Bruno, 2009. "HIV disclosure and unsafe sex among HIV-infected women in Cameroon: Results from the ANRS-EVAL study," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 69(6), pages 885-891, September.
    2. Smith, Daniel Jordan & Mbakwem, Benjamin C., 2010. "Antiretroviral therapy and reproductive life projects: Mitigating the stigma of AIDS in Nigeria," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 71(2), pages 345-352, July.
    3. Sterck Olivier, 2013. "Why are Testing Rates so Low in Sub-Saharan Africa? Misconceptions and Strategic Behaviors," Forum for Health Economics & Policy, De Gruyter, vol. 16(1), pages 1-39, September.

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