P4.071Predictors of Condom Use Amongst HIV-Infected Individuals Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)

BackgroundInfluence of knowledge of HIV+ status on sexual behaviour has not been well studied in Africa, where positive prevention could potentially have the greatest impact.ObjectiveTo determine the influence of HIV+ status awareness and other social factors on condom use.MethodA behavioural questionnaire was administered to 642 patients in Durban, South Africa. Consistent condom use was defined as reported condom use during last sex act at months 6, 12, 18 and 24 of follow-up. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those who were aware of their HIV+ status prior to study enrolment (Group A) and those who only learned their HIV+ status at the time of study enrolment (Group B). Generalized estimating equations were used to assess factors associated with condom use at last sex act over time.ResultsAt baseline, 150 (46.4%) in group B reported condom use at their last sex act compared to 174 (59.0%) in group A (p = 0.002). Reported consistent condom use at last sex act was significantly higher in group A compared to group B (53.3% vs. 46.7%, p = 0.01). HIV+ status awareness did not predict condom use over time [odds ratio (OR):1.2; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.9-1.5; p = 0.15].Male patients were more likely to use condoms at last sex act (OR: 2.7; 95% CI: 2.2-3.43; p < 0.01). Older patients (OR: 0.8; 95% CI: 0.7-0.8; p < 0.01), being never married (OR: 0.7; 95% CI: 0.5-0.9; p = 0.01); divorced (OR: 0.5; 95% CI: 0.3-0.9; p = 0.01); and under the influence of alcohol during their last sex act (OR: 0.3; 95% CI: 0.2-0.4; p = < 0.001) were less likely to use condoms at their last sex act.ConclusionKnowledge of HIV+ status is significantly associated with consistent condom use. Age, gender, marital status and alcohol consumption are significant predictors of condom use during last sex act.