[Determinants of risky sex practices among consultants of a Voluntary Counseling and Testing Centre]

ABSTRACT

Thirty years after the discovery of human immunodeficiency virus [HIV], knowledge and practices must be improved. Contribute to reducing the risk of virus transmission. A study about the determinants of risky practices was conducted among the consultants of the Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing Centre [VCTC] in Monastir University Hospital. We performed a cross sectional descriptive study with a total of 241 consultants who used the services of the VCTC during the period from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2011. Data gathering was based on a self-administered questionnaire. Consultant's mean age was 27.4 +/- 8 years with a male predominance. Three patients out of four were single and 65% have at least secondary-level education. Knowledge about the risk of HIV infection after an unprotected sex and drug use by injection were reported by 94.3% and 76.7% of the participants respectively. Risky sex practices were adopted by 89.3% of the subjects. At least secondary school level, knowledge of risk factors of contamination and fear of the virus transmission were identified as determinants of safe sexual practices [0,004 < p < 0,032]. Improving knowledge of populations at risk for HIV is a privileged axis to lead to a reduction of infectious risk in our country