Predictors of unprotected sexual intercourse among HIV-infected patients receiving antiretroviral drugs in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

This study aims to evaluate the predictor of unprotected sexual intercourse among HIV-infected adults receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in a tertiary facility in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. A cross sectional study was undertaken in a 200 bed tertiary hospital in Bayelsa state, south-south Nigeria. A standardized pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect demographic, clinical and sexual history from consecutive HIV-1 infected adults receiving ART for at least 6 months. Independent predictors of unprotected sexual intercourse (defined as irregular condom use or unprotected sex in previous 6months) were determined using an unconditional logistic regression model. Out of 241 patients studied, 71.8% were females, 48.5% were married, and 20.7% had a sexual partner that is HIV-1 infected. Sixty (24.9%) patients engaged in unprotected sex, 86 (35.7%) used condom consistently and 95 (39.4%) abstained. Female sex, being currently married, age18-35years, partner being HIV-positive and living with sexual partner were significant associated with risky sex. Female sex, age18-35years and being currently married were the only independent predictors of unprotected sex. HIV-infected adults receiving ART in resource limited settings are potential sources of secondary transmission of HIV. Condom use in the prevention of secondary transmission of HIV in study area should target females, young adults and married couples