Sexual Behavior of Ever Users of Contraception and Its Implications in a High Prevalence HIV Population in Northwest Tanzania

Sara Yeatman, University of Texas at Austin
Mark Urassa, National Institute for Medical Research of Tanzania
Basia Zaba, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Raphael Isingo, National Institute for Medical Research of Tanzania

Antenatal clinic data from a high prevalence HIV population in Northwest Tanzania describe characteristics of women who have ever used contraceptives by their chosen method. Multivariate logistic regression identifies associations between sexual behavior and contraceptive use. Controlling for relevant sociodemographic characteristics, ever users of condoms were most likely to have multiple partnerships themselves and ever users of injectables were most likely to report their partner having multiple partnerships. Condom users had a significantly higher HIV prevalence that was not explained by the sociodemographic or sexual behavior variables. In high HIV prevalence societies, further family planning emphasis should be placed on consistent use of barrier methods as users of hormonal methods are at greater sexual risk for HIV acquisition than non-users. High levels of HIV prevalence among condom users are probably a result of condom use by women who know, or suspect, they or their partner are already infected.