Sexual and reproductive health in HIV-positive adolescents

Abstract

Objectives: Adolescents grow to experience both emotional and sexual changes that occur at this stage in life. During this stage, these adolescents have increased experimentation, including sexuality, this also affects HIV-positive adolescents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sexual and reproductive health of HIV-positive adolescents. Material and Methods: A semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain relevant information from adolescents who were enrolled into the study over a 6 months period. Information obtained included the bio-data, menstruation, sexual activity, HIV status of partner, use of contraceptives, abortion, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Results: One hundred and forty-seven HIV-positive adolescents were recruited into the study, males were 56 (38.1%), while females were 91 (61.9%). Fifty-nine (64.8%) of the females have started menstruating, out of which nine (6.1%) of them were sexually active. All those that were sexually active did not know the HIV status of their partners. Four (44.4%) of those who were sexually active use contraceptives, while three became pregnant out of wedlock and one had an abortion. Three (33.3%) of the sexually active adolescents had sexually transmitted infection. None of the 46 early adolescents was sexually active, but three out of the 71 middle adolescents and 6 out of the 30 late adolescents were sexually active. Conclusion: HIV-positive adolescents engage in sexual activities which are sometimes risky, just like other adolescents. The consequences of such acts include unplanned pregnancies and abortions in addition to sexually transmitted infections. Therefore, additional programs/interventions should be put in place to address these observations as well as prepare them as they transit to adulthood.