Condom Use among HIV-Positive Sexually Active Adults and Partner’s HIV Status in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Consistent and proper use of condoms has been found to be effective in preventing HIV transmission and other sexually transmitted diseases. We examined the predictors of condom use and knowledge of partner’s HIV status among 731 HIV-positive individuals who had sex in the past six months. Data are from an incoming service form administered to clients who visited the Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences’ Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) site in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania between 1997–2008 (N=45,071). Sixteen percent reported always using a condom in the past six months. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that age, and knowledge of partner’s HIV status were the strongest predictors of consistent condom use. The risk of future HIV infections in this region remains high. Future efforts to prevent new HIV infections should aim to increase condom use, and prevention practices that facilitate HIV-positive individuals to communicate their HIV status with partners.