Investigation of risky sexual behaviour amongst HIV/AIDS positive individuals on antiretroviral treatment in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/ acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is one of the major public health concerns. Antiretroviral treatments (ART) is available immediately for HIV-positive individuals but sexually transmitted infections are on the rise. The majority of HIV positive patients on ART are engaging in unsafe sexual practices. Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate risky sexual behaviour of people on antiretroviral treatment regarding prevention. The study was conducted on adult clients in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Methods: A quantitative and descriptive cross-sectional design was conducted whereby 304 patients who visited Nontyatyambo Health Centre were randomly selected. Data was entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 24. Simple descriptive statistics such as numbers, percentages and tables were used to characterise variables. A chi-square test was used to explore associations between dependent and independent variables. Test significance, confidence intervals and p-values of all the causes and contributory factors were set at 0.05. Results: Thirty two percent reported having sex with multiple sexual partners while 19percent reported never using a condom. Forty eight percent reported having had sexually transmitted infections since starting on ART. The median age (36 years (IQR: 31, 45) vs. 35 years (IQR: 26, 40)) of those who reported STIs was higher than the median age of those who did not report STI (p=0.012). Males (57percent, p=0.049), those who were employed (55percent, p=0.048), and those who were cohabitating (68percent, 0.030) were more likely to report STI. Similarly, those who had unprotected sex with a casual partner (62percent, p