Sexual behavior of HIV-positive women in Cameroon

Abstract

This study aimed at describing the sexual behavior of HIV-positive women in Cameroon. In a cross-sectional study, 282 HIV-infected women were enrolled in 3 HIV-treatment clinics in Cameroon. Of the 282 participants, 257 had been diagnosed with HIV for more than 6 months. Approximately half (46.8%) of these 257 women reported no sex partners in the 6 months before the study; 42.9% had 1 partner; and 1.5% had more than 1 partner. There was a significant decrease in the number of partners, new partners, and an increase in condom use with these partners following HIV diagnosis (P value < .05). However, more than half (55.2%) of the sexually active participants reported inconsistent or no condom use during sexual intercourse. Although HIV-positive women tend to adopt less risky behavior after HIV diagnosis, a substantial proportion of sexually active ones still have risky behaviors. Reinforcing risk reduction programs for these women is imperative.© 2011 The Author(s).