CROSS-SECTIONAL ANALYSIS OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION & BEHAVIOR OF PATIENTS DIAGNOSED WITH HIV AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is one of the major public health problems throughout the world and prevention with a positive approach has been advocated as one of the main strategies to diminish the new instances of HIV and the target are those who are engaged in high-risk sexual behavior. Therefore, understanding the risky behaviors of the HIV-infected individuals which are unique to differing populations would improve public health interventions. Objective: To identify the sexual orientation and behavior (high-risk) of patients diagnosed with HIV. Methodology: This cross-sectional analysis conducted upon a sample of 120 patients (aged 18 years and above) tested positive for and receiving antiretroviral treatment in a tertiary care hospital at Karachi. No gender bias was observed and the sample was collected using non-probability, consecutive sampling. Data was collected using a pre-structured, interview based questionnaire comprising of inquiring regarding basic biodata and sociodemographic details along with history and complete particulars of their self-perceived sexual orientation and detailed sexual behavior. The data obtained was analyzed using SPSS v.21 & Microsoft Excel 360. Results: Among the 120 patient enrolled into the study, we achieved a 100% response rate. 77.5% of the respondents were males while the remaining 22.5% were females. The mean age of the sample stood at 26 (SD ± 5.1). A majority of the respondents (59.2%) identified as heterosexual, while the remaining identified broadly as homosexual (26.6%) or bisexual (14.2%). High risk sexual behavior was more prevalent in the non-heterosexual groups. Among the different types of high-risk behavior, the respondents admitted to having, were unprotected coitus, anal coitus, multiple sexual partners, high-risk partners (ones that themselves had multiple partners or were drug abusers). Respondent age, gender, marital status and orientation were strongly associated with their high risk behavior. Conclusion: After careful consideration, it can be concluded that high-risk behavior of HIV patients is a major public health concern and patients need to be effectively counselled against it. Keywords: HIV, AIDS, Sexual Orientation, High-Risk Behavior and Drug Abuse