SA sex survey reveals multiple partners and condom use

A TOTAL of 17% of men aged 15 to 49 in South Africa reported to have had two or more partners in the last 12 months and 45% had intercourse with a person who was neither their spouse nor lived with them.

These are findings of the South Africa Demographic and Health Survey 2016 (SADHS2016) released yesterday by Statistician-General Pali Lehohla.

The findings were handed to Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi during a media briefing in Pretoria.

“Overall, 5% reported that they had two or more partners in the past 12 months and 45% had intercourse in the past 12 months with a person who was neither their spouse nor lived with them.

“Among women, who had two or more partners in the past 12 months, 58% reported using a condom during their last sexual encounter.

“Among women who had intercourse with a person who was neither their spouse nor lived with them, 60% used a condom at their last sexual intercourse.”

As for men, the survey found that those who had two or more partners in the last 12 months, 65% reported using a condom the last time they had intercourse.

“Among men who had intercourse with a person who was neither their spouse nor lived with them, 69% used a condom at their last sexual intercourse,” according to the report.

Having multiple sexual partners is a UN Agency for International Development (UNAIDS) indicator of higher risk sex associated with HIV infection and re-infection.

“Appetite for multiplicity of partners, it looks like this thing is continuing and it has to be followed through in order to deal with these kinds of notions, and the notions that at times encourage degenerating the well-being of society,” said Lehohla.

Sample

Regarding education and awareness of HIV and Aids, Lehohla said “a large number has not tested”.

The South African Demographic and Health Survey is a sample survey that was conducted by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) and the South African Medical Research Council on behalf of the National Department of Health.

The survey collected data from sampled households in the country between June and November 2016, with variables measuring health, fertility, nutrition and family planning, among others.

The survey also provides estimates on child and maternal mortality, fertility rates and the prevalence of conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, among others. – ANA