Investigating the sexual protective behaviour among HIV-positive women in Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: The third wave of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is rising due to high-risk sexual behaviours in Iran. In spite of launching programs to combat HIV in Iran, condom use frequency has not yet reached the optimal level, especially in high-risk groups. The aim of this study was to assess the sexual protection behaviours and awareness among HIV-positive women. Material and methods: This descriptive study was performed on 100 HIV-positive women who referred to the Voluntary and Counselling Centre (VCT) in Tehran and were recruited using a purposive sampling method. Data collection was carried out using HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) awareness and sexual protection behaviour questionnaires. Results: Condom use was practiced only by 22.2% in all their vaginal and anal sexual intercourse during the three months, and 77.8% of the women never used condoms or failed to use them continuously. Their sexual partners were HIV-positive in 71% of cases. The mean ± SD of awareness score about HIV/AIDS was 7.60 ± 3.31, indicating average awareness of the subjects in the study. A total of 49.1% of the participants stated that their sexual partners’ reluctance was the most important reason for non-use of condoms, while women were not willing to use condoms in 18.2% of cases. Conclusions: The results of the present study indicated poor sexual protection behaviours in HIV-positive women. As a result, gender-based harm reduction programs to promote safe sexual behaviour, awareness level, and negotiation power for condom use in HIV-positive women is more important than ever.