Kitali, B.; Mahande, M.; Mosha, M. V.; Kessy, J.; Njau, B.; Mushi, D.
Description:
This clinic-based cross sectional study aimed to assess the risky sexual
behavior changes in the number of sexual partners after HIV counseling and
testing among adults in Kilimanjaro Region in Tanzania in 2008.The study used
a structured questionnaire to collect demographic data among 90 clients at
three Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) sites in Moshi Municipality,
Kilimanjaro Region. The mean age was 33.5(±9.6). Sexually active respondents
were 66.7 %. Overall, 81.1% reported multiple sexual partnerships [mean (SD):
3.8 ± 1.3]. Males were more likely to report multiple sexual partners than
females (OR) = 3.8 [95% CI 1.5- 9.8]; P < 0.005). Males’ mean number of
lifetime sexual partners before VCT was 1.5 and 1.1 after VCT, which decreased
significantly (f= 3.6; p = 0.014).The mean number of sexual partners in the past
3 months before VCT was 1.5 and 1.1 after VCT, which decreased significantly (f=113.7; p = 0.000). The mean
number of those who reported sex in the past 3 months was 1.6 before VCT and 1.1 after VCT, which
decreased significantly (f= 5.9; p = 0.019). Females’ mean number of sexual partners in the past 3 months
before VCT was 1.2 and 1.1 after VCT, which decreased significantly (f= 2.9; p = 0.000). The mean number of
casual sexual partners was 1.3 before VCT and 1.1 after VCT, which decreased significantly (f= 4.7; p = 0.022).
In conclusion, most participants are sexually active and practice multiple sexual partnerships; more VCT
screening efforts and awareness are needed to reduce number of sexual partners among at high-risk people in
Tanzania.