Covariates of multiple sexual partnerships among sexually active men in Lesotho

Abstract

Multiple sexual partnerships (MSP) have been identified as the main reason for the high rate of HIV prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa, including Lesotho. The aim of this paper is to identify the social and economic variables associated with MSP among men in Lesotho. The study used data from 2009 Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey. A sample of 2335 males in the age group 15-44 was used. Participants qualified if they were sexually active during the past year before the survey. Binary logistic regression was used to analyse the data. Results indicated that 29% of the respondents had engaged in sexual intercourse with multiple partners in the past year. Lower age at sexual debut, employment; having ever moved from home in the past year; believing that men have the right to have sex with other women; believing that beating a woman is justified if she argues with husband and having sex with casual partner were associated with an increased likelihood of MSP. On the other hand, coming from household led by a woman reduced the odds ratio. The study recommends that promotion of awareness programmes on MSP coupled with economic empowerment of women should be intensified in Lesotho.