Risky sexual behaviors and associated factors among adult patients on antiretroviral treatment at Mankweng Hospital in Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Background: Worldwide, it is estimated that 38 million people are HIV-positive and that over 36 million people have died from the virus. In South Africa, the prevalence of HIV was reported to be 20.6% with Limpopo Province having 17% HIV. Given the high rate of new HIV infection in Limpopo, there is therefore a need to assess factors promoting risky sexual behavior among people living with HIV in order to help design and develop behavioral interventions aimed at reducing risky behaviors among people living with HIV. Methods: This was a quantitative cross-sectional prospective study, conducted in Mankweng Hospital. The study consisted of 116 participants of which 40 were males and 76 were females aged 18 years and above. The participants were selected using purposive sampling. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 27. A comparison of proportions was performed using Chi-Square. The association between risky sexual practice and sociodemographic factors was analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Results: The proportion of risky sexual practices in the total population was 48.3%. Participants who were married, those aged 35-44, and those with tertiary qualifications were more likely to engage in risky sexual practices. Multivariate logistic regression showed widowed participants were less likely to practice risky sexual practices. Conclusion: The present study reported a high prevalence of risky sexual practices of 48.3%. Risky sexual behavior was determined by age, marital status, and level of education. The proportion of married participants was higher in risky sexual behavior. Based on the findings of the present study, it is recommended that targeted interventions and educational programs should be implemented to reduce risky sexual behavior among married individuals, individuals aged 35-44, and individuals with tertiary qualifications.

Terms which LGBTQI+ individuals prefer or hate to be called by.

Introduction: The evolution of the abbreviation LGBTQI+ comes on the backdrop of numerous studies that were conducted as a form of advocacy to promote the inclusion of LGBTQI+ individuals into society. Objective: This study sought to explore the terms that LGBTQI+ individuals prefer to be called and those they hate to be called by. Methods: The study adopted a qualitative approach underpinned by Husserl's descriptive phenomenological research design. Data was collected through WhatsApp-based semi-structured individual interviews from a 19 participants who were sampled using purposive and snowballing sampling methods. Data analysis was done using Collaizzi's phenomenological analysis method, and all ethical considerations to safeguard participants were adhered to. Results: The analysis yielded two main themes as preferred terminologies and terms that are hated by the LGBTQI+ persons. The findings show an evolution in the terminologies used in relation to the LGBTQI+ identifying persons. Terms such as Queer, LGBTQI+ community, terms confirming gender identity, SOGI neutral, and preferred pronouns emerged as terms that LGBTQI+ people preferred to be called or addressed by. On the other side of the coin, the findings revealed terms that the LBGTQI + people hated as these were perceived to be discriminatory and derogatory, such as terms like "moffie" and "stabane". Conclusion: LGBTQI+ terms are forever evolving and there is a need to raise community awareness and conscientisation towards moving away from the use of derogatory and hateful terms. The hated terms continue to perpetuate verbal abuse, stigmatisation and discrimination of the LGBTQI+ community. Therefore, a nuanced approach to develop and adopt inclusive language policies to promote diversity in public and private spheres.