Socio-cultural Context of Adolescent Sexuality of Perinatal HIV-Infected Adolescents in the Central Part of Thailand
Sexual Experience and Reproductive Health Problems
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 12466068 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Karuna Woranush (Mahidol University, corresponding author), Warunya Woranush (0009-0008-7373-8731, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus), Mats Leif Moskopp (0000-0002-4233-3140, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus), Siriwan Grisurapong (Mahidol University) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 29 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 1193-1210 |
| Publication date | 2025-03-28 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Sexuality & Culture (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1095-5143 • E-ISSN: 1936-4822 |
| Publisher | Springer Science+Business Media (PUBLISHER • DE) |
| DOI | 10.1007/s12119-025-10319-2 |
| OpenAlex | W4408983052 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 21 |
Since HIV infection in a culturally conscious Thai population leads to social stigma and peer pressure, perinatal HIV-infected adolescents (PHIVA) form an especially vulnerable minority. Little is known about the sexuality of PHIVA in Thailand. A total of 102 PHIVA aged 15–19 years were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Demographic, sexuality, and sociocultural context were acquired from face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Social indicators, including level of schooling, frequency of orphancy/foster care home and self-determination/right to privacy, showed that PHIVA are structurally disadvantaged in Thai society. More than 50% of PHIVA in this study have had romantic relationships. Around 30% of PHIVA had already experienced sexual intercourse. Regarding sexually active female PHIVA, 16% reported to be rape victims. Over 40% of the sexually active male and female PHIVA had a history of STDs with the majority of them showing no adequate coping strategy. The majority of sexually active PHIVA engaged in risky sexual behaviour with 60% reporting to stop antiretroviral therapy during sexual relationships and more than 50% not using a condom. At the same time 75% of PHIVA reported to prefer HIV-negative partners. In the female cohort, a history of 8 pregnancies under the age of 20 were observed, with almost 90% being unwanted. While two pregnancies were terminated by abortion, 3 out of the 6 born children to female PHIVA were HIV-positive. Thai PHIVA suffer from social discrimination and are particularly vulnerable in society. This study suggests that sexuality desire and emotional needs of PHIVA are no different from HIV-negative adolescents. However, they will need more support in reproductive health information and empowerment. Youth interventions and sexual education classes aiming specifically at the needs of PHIVA should be established
Context (archaeology · Developmental psychology · Environmental health · Family medicine · Geography · Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV · Human sexuality · Population · Reproductive health · Sociology · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Gender Studies · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · Medicine · Psychology · Sex work and related issues
Experiences with stigma and discrimination among adolescents and young adults living with HIV in Bangkok, Thailand
Pain, Anger, and the Fear of Being Discovered Persist Long after the Disclosure of HIV Serostatus among Adolescents with Perinatal HIV in Rural Communities in South Africa
Everyone has a secret they keep close to their hearts’
School trajectory disruption among adolescents living with perinatal HIV receiving antiretroviral treatments
| Highly cited | No |
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