Seth Kalichman (1), Leickness Simbayi (2), Demetria Cain (1) and Sean Jooste (2)
1 University of Connecticut, United States
2 HSRC Cape Town, South Africa
Sex Transm Infect. Published Online First: 7 May 2009. doi:10.1136/sti.2008.035287
Copyright © 2009 by the BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. Accepted 28 April 2009.
Abstract
Background: Anal intercourse is an efficient mode of HIV transmission and may play a role in heterosexual HIV epidemics of southern Africa. However, little information is available on the anal sex practices of heterosexuals in South Africa.
Purpose: To examine the occurrence of anal intercourse in samples drawn from community and clinic settings.
Methods: Anonymous surveys collected from convenience samples of 2593 men and 1818 women in two townships and one large city STI clinic in Cape Town. Measures included demographics, HIV risk history, substance use, and three month retrospective sexual behavior.
Results: A total of 14% (n = 360) men and 10% (n = 172) women reported engaging in anal intercourse in the past three months. Men used condoms during 67% and women 50% of anal intercourse occasions. Anal intercourse was associated with younger age, being unmarried,having a history of STIs, exchanging sex, using substances, having been tested for HIV, and testing HIV positive.
Conclusions: Anal intercourse is reported relatively less frequently than unprotected vaginal intercourse among heterosexuals. The low prevalence of anal intercourse among heterosexuals may be offset by its greater efficiency for transmitting HIV. Anal sex should be discussed in heterosexual HIV prevention programming.
1 University of Connecticut, United States
2 HSRC Cape Town, South Africa
Sex Transm Infect. Published Online First: 7 May 2009. doi:10.1136/sti.2008.035287
Copyright © 2009 by the BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. Accepted 28 April 2009.
Abstract
Background: Anal intercourse is an efficient mode of HIV transmission and may play a role in heterosexual HIV epidemics of southern Africa. However, little information is available on the anal sex practices of heterosexuals in South Africa.
Purpose: To examine the occurrence of anal intercourse in samples drawn from community and clinic settings.
Methods: Anonymous surveys collected from convenience samples of 2593 men and 1818 women in two townships and one large city STI clinic in Cape Town. Measures included demographics, HIV risk history, substance use, and three month retrospective sexual behavior.
Results: A total of 14% (n = 360) men and 10% (n = 172) women reported engaging in anal intercourse in the past three months. Men used condoms during 67% and women 50% of anal intercourse occasions. Anal intercourse was associated with younger age, being unmarried,having a history of STIs, exchanging sex, using substances, having been tested for HIV, and testing HIV positive.
Conclusions: Anal intercourse is reported relatively less frequently than unprotected vaginal intercourse among heterosexuals. The low prevalence of anal intercourse among heterosexuals may be offset by its greater efficiency for transmitting HIV. Anal sex should be discussed in heterosexual HIV prevention programming.
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