Sexual Behaviour and HIV Transmission Risk of Older Adults Living with HIV in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality, Ghana

Abstract

This study examines the sexual behaviour and risk of HIV transmission of older adults living with HIV in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Qualitative and descriptive quantitative methods were used to collect data through face-to-face in-depth and structured questionnaire interviews. All 50 participants in this study were recruited on a voluntary basis from HIV support groups in the study area. Using a biopsychosocial perspective, the study explored a range of issues, including the meaning of sex, safer sex practices, risk of HIV transmission and sexual behaviour. The study found that more than a third of OALHIV were sexually active and for the majority of respondents, sexual expression and relationships remain important. Respondents were found to have suboptimal safer sex practices and are at risk of HIV re-infection and onward transmission. While biological factors, which include age and health are important determinants of sexual behaviour among OALHIV, socio-cultural factors such as ageism, societal beliefs and expectations, disapproval by children and family members, housing arrangements and the economic situation of respondents also have a considerable influence on the sexual behaviour of OALHIV. As the population living with HIV ages and engages in sexual activity, it is imperative to understand the factors that promote sexual risk behaviour among OALHIV for effective HIV prevention interventions for older adults. Emphasis should be placed on disseminating information on safer sex practices among older HIV-positive persons to prevent onward transmission.