[Determinants of risky sex practices among consultants of a Voluntary HIV counseling and testing Centre]

Abstract

Background: Thirty years after the discovery of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), knowledge and practices must be improved.

Aim: Contribute to reducing the risk of virus transmission.

Methods: A study about the determinants of risky practices was conducted among the consultants of the Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing Centre (VCTC) in Monastir University Hospital.

Results: We performed a cross sectional descriptive study with a total of 241 consultants who used the services of the VCTC during the period from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2011. Data gathering was based on a self-administered questionnaire. Consultant's mean age was 27.4 ± 8 years with a male predominance. Three patients out of four were single and 65% have at least secondary-level education. Knowledge about the risk of HIV infection after an unprotected sex and drug use by injection were reported by 94.3% and 76.7% of the participants respectively. Risky sex practices were adopted by 89.3% of the subjects. At least secondary school level, knowledge of risk factors of contamination and fear of the virus transmission were identified as determinants of safe sexual practices (0,004 ≤ p ≤ 0,032).

Conclusion: Improving knowledge of populations at risk for HIV is a privileged axis to lead to a reduction of infectious risk in our country.