Herpes simplex virus type 2 seroprevalence, HIV and Antiretroviral therapy knowledge and beliefs in the general population in Kisumu, Kenya

TLDR: Targeted informative messages on ART to those at risk may aid in reducing the incidence of HSV-2 and Misinformation on ART capability may lead to increased HIV and sexually transmitted infection incidence if people think they are a cure for HIV.

Abstract: With the increasing use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in developing countries, little is known on the potential impact of large-scale ART use on sexual behavior. We used Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection as a marker for sexual behavior to aid in assessing the association between ART related knowledge and beliefs and sexual behavior. This cross-sectional study analyzed secondary data collected in Kisumu’s general population. A total of 1,655 participants (749 men, 906 women) aged 15 to 49yrs were interviewed. Socio-demographic factors, prevalence of HSV-2 and ART related knowledge and beliefs and their association with HSV-2 infection were evaluated. Overall, the prevalence of HSV-2 was 53%, and significantly higher in females (65%) than males (38%), p 2 times odds of having HSV-2 (aOR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.1 to 3.43) similar observations in females (aOR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.34 to 3.40). Misinformation on ART capability may lead to increased HIV and sexually transmitted infection incidence if people think they are a cure for HIV. Targeted informative messages on ART to those at risk may aid in reducing the incidence of HSV-2.   Key words: Antiretroviral therapy, knowledge, beliefs, herpes simplex virus, general population, Kisumu, Kenya.