Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 21, 2026

Comprehensive & Cost Effective Laboratory Monitoring of HIV/AIDS: an African Role Model
Published on: October 31, 2010
Sexual risk behavior among HIV-positive persons in Jamaica
Butho Ncube1, Jessica Ansong1, Kewanna Daniels1
1Department of Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States.
Background:
HIV/AIDS remains a global public health challenge, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean. Sexual risk behaviors among HIV-positive persons place their partners at risk for HIV transmission and other sexually transmitted infections. Stopping transmission acts among HIV-positive people is crucial in reversing HIV incidence.
Objective:
This study aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of sexual risk behaviors among HIV-positive individuals in clinical care in Northwestern Jamaica.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey of 118 (33 males and 85 females) HIV-positive individuals was used to assess demographic and health characteristics, HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs and sexual risk behaviors.
Results:
About 12% of the study population stated that they had unprotected anal or vaginal sex without disclosing their HIV status. Participants who agreed that condoms reduce the risk of HIV transmission were 13.1 times more likely to use condoms during their last sexual encounters(95% CI: 2.1-79.0) than those who disagreed. About 75% of participants reported using a condom every time they had sexual intercourse in the past year, while 25% used condoms irregularly. Participants who had unprotected anal or vaginal sex without disclosing their status were less likely to have used condoms during the last sexual encounter (OR=0.1; 95% CI: 0.02-0.5).
Conclusion:
The prevalence of unsafe sex remains high among sexually active people living with HIV/AIDS in Jamaica. Study participants who engaged in unprotected sex without disclosing their HIV-positive status potentially place their partners at risk for HIV transmission and other sexually transmitted infections. The study findings highlight the need to promote safe sexual behaviors and a positive social environment for people living with HIV/AIDS in Jamaica.
Related Concept Videos
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
Standard Precaution
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
Transmission-based Precautions I: Contact, Enteric, and Droplets
Contact Precautions:
Contact precautions are the measures taken to prevent the transmission of infectious agents, especially epidemiologically important microorganisms such as MRSA or influenza, primarily transmitted through direct or indirect contact with an...
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Genital Herpes
Amebiasis

