Quality of sexual life for people living with HIV (PLWHA)

HIV infection is a very intimate issue since it is transmitted through sexual intercourse; the virus suddenly invades the conscious and the subconscious mind of the HIV-positive person, becoming a critical element of their life. Since the use of antiretroviral therapy and increased life expectancy, the sexual and emotional aspects of quality of life have become a concern for people living with HIV (PLWHA), as well as for the health care staff. The purpose of our study is to identify sexual disorders affecting PLWHA and to determine factors influencing their sexuality. We studied a sample of 134 PLWHA attending the infectious diseases department of the Ibn Rochd Casablanca university hospital. A pre-drafted questionnaire provided information concerning sociodemographic characteristics, as well as information relating to the course of HIV infection, sexuality and the prevention of the transmission of HIV. The diagnosis of sexual disorders was made according to DSM-IV criteria. Sixty four percent of the men surveyed claim they have insufficient sexual activity and 80% report sexual disorders, in particular erectile dysfunction. Seventy percent of the women claim they have insufficient sexual activity, and 69% report sexual disorders, particularly decreased libido, anorgasmia and dyspareunia. In addition, only 63% of the persons surveyed report the systematic use of condoms during sexual intercourse. (C) 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.