Unsafe Sex and STI Prevalence Among HIV-Infected Adults in Guangzhou, China: Opportunities to Deamplify Sexual HIV Transmission

AIDS Behav. 2013 Mar;17(3):1137-43. doi: 10.1007/s10461-012-0322-y.

Abstract

This project examined sexual behavior and STI prevalence among HIV-infected individuals in South China. Adult HIV-infected outpatients in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China completed a self-administered survey about behaviors and antiretroviral treatment. Participants were screened for syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. Univariate and multivariate relationships with any STI were calculated using logistic regression. 810 HIV-infected individuals participated and 3 refused. 52.5 % (n = 415) of individuals reported having sex in the past 3 months, among whom 26.4 % (n = 111) reported inconsistent condom use. 10.4 % (n = 84) of all individuals had at least one sexually transmitted infection (STI). HIV-infected individuals not on antiretroviral treatment had an increased STI risk (aOR 2.5, 95 % CI: 1.4-4.5, P = 0.002). Unsafe sex was markedly reduced among HIV-infected individuals on treatment, possibly a reflection of integrated ART initiation counseling. Improved STI services among HIVinfected individuals are urgently needed to deamplify sexual HIV transmission.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use
  • China / epidemiology
  • Condoms / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / etiology
  • Unsafe Sex / statistics & numerical data*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents