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An investigation into the influences of sexual practices among HIV-positive individuals on HAART in Canada
A. Mtambo1,2, A. Palmer2, E. Brandson2, K. Fernandes2, A. Kaida2,3, T. Orchard2,4, C. Miller1, J. Montaner2,5, R. Hogg1,2
1Simon Fraser University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Vancouver, Canada, 2British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Drug Treatment Program, Vancouver, Canada, 3University of British Columbia, School of Population and Public Health, Vancouver, Canada, 4University of Western Ontario, Faculty of Health Sciences, London, Canada, 5University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver, Canada
Background: We measured the prevalence of sexual activity among HIV-positive individuals on HAART and investigated the socio-demographic and Quality of Life predictors of being sexually active by gender and sexual orientation.
Methods: Individuals enrolled in the longitudinal investigations into support and ancillary health services (LISA) cohort (N=457) answered questions about oral, vaginal and anal sexual intercourse in addition to the HIV-targeted quality of life scale. Clinical variables were obtained through the British Columbia HIV/AIDS Drug Treatment Program. Categorical variables were compared using Fisher's Exact Test or Pearson's Chi square test and continuous variables were assessed using the Wilcoxon Rank-Sum Test. Logistic regression was used to measure the associations.
Results: Fifty five percent of participants (70% of gay and bisexual, 47% of heterosexual males and 49% of heterosexual women) indicated that they were sexually active in the six months prior to participating in the survey. The study found that individuals who were sexually active performed better on most of the quality of life measures than those who abstained. Consistent with other research, multivariate analyses for the whole cohort showed that being sexually active was associated with being in a relationship, having better body image, and higher scores on sexual function. Among gay and bisexual men, being sexually active was also associated with higher life satisfaction. In heterosexual females, being sexually active was associated with being depressed and having less disclosure worries.
Conclusion: We need to further engage with people on HAART, their service providers, and other relevant community organizations to ensure that “sex” is on the agenda, supported in ways that are healthy and appropriate to these different groups, and creatively incorporated into long-term HIV management programs and strategies.
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