High-risk sexual behaviours revealed in new South African HIV surveillance study

A recent comprehensive surveillance study in South Africa has shed light on alarming sexual behaviours and the state of HIV awareness among participants. With a participant pool of 3,265, predominantly male (71.3%) and mostly Black African (98.7%), the study elucidates critical insights into the sexual health landscape of the region, particularly among younger adults with a median age of 30 years.

The results expose a striking prevalence of high-risk sexual behaviours. Over one-third of participants (34.0%) disclosed engaging in sexual relations with casual partners, while nearly 40% reported multiple sexual partners.

This heightened sexual activity raises significant concerns, especially as approximately 20% of participants (576) had sought treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the previous year.

In terms of HIV awareness and status, an encouraging 94.6% of participants (3,088 out of 3,264) were knowledgeable about their HIV status. However, it remains a pressing issue that 20.6% (634) of these individuals identified as living with HIV.

Among those self-reporting as HIV-positive, a substantial majority (88%, or 557 out of 633) indicated they had at some point taken antiretroviral therapy (ARVs).

Impressively, 98.4% (548) of those who were on ARVs had maintained their regimen in the three days leading to the survey, reflecting a significant commitment to treatment adherence.

The demographic breakdown also reveals important insights into male circumcision rates, which are often linked to reduced rates of HIV transmission.

Out of the male participants, 68.7% (1,591 out of 2,316) reported being circumcised, with over 63.9% (1,015 out of 1,588) having undergone medical circumcision. These figures underscore a proactive approach among many men towards reducing their vulnerability to infection.

The findings of this study are a clarion call for intensified public health interventions aimed at addressing both awareness and behavioural changes in the region.

With a troubling combination of high-risk sexual behaviours and significant numbers of HIV-positive individuals, the urgency for targeted educational programmes and accessible healthcare services is more pressing than ever.

IOL