Comparison of sexual self-consciousness, self-confidence, self-efficacy, satisfaction, and dyadic adjustment between people living with HIV and HIV-negative individuals: Case–control study

INTRODUCTION: HIV is a sexually transmitted virus. After infection, the sexual lives of individuals and their compatibility with their partners may be adversely affected. This study aimed to compare sexual self-consciousness, self-confidence, self-efficacy, sexual satisfaction, and dyadic adjustment between People Living With HIV (PLWH) and HIV-negative individuals.
METHODS: This case–control study was conducted with 52 PLWH and 225 HIV(-) individuals between June 1 and July 31, 2022. All individuals were asked to complete the Introductory Information Form, the Sexual Self-Consciousness Scale, the Sexual Self-Confidence Scale, the Sexual Self-Efficacy Scale, the New Sexual Satisfaction Scale, and the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale.
RESULTS: In PLWH, the mean scores of sexual self-confidence, sexual self-disclosure, sexual satisfaction, and self-centered sexual satisfaction were found to be significantly lower, whereas the mean score of sexual self-efficacy was higher than those of HIV(-) individuals. It was found that being single, living in an extended family, and living in a city center increased exposure to HIV. It was determined that sexual self-disclosure reduced exposure to HIV, whereas sexual awareness and sexual self-efficacy increased exposure to HIV. In PLWH, sexual self-consciousness was found to negatively affect sexual satisfaction; sexual self-confidence and dyadic adjustment were found to increase sexual satisfaction; and sexual satisfaction was found to positively affect dyadic adjustment.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Living with HIV negatively affects self-confidence and satisfaction related to sexuality. Awareness and self-efficacy regarding sexuality increase, whereas sexual self-disclosure decreases after exposure to HIV. Integrating sexual health counseling that focuses on sexual self-confidence, self-disclosure, and couple dynamics into routine HIV care may contribute to improving sexual satisfaction and relationship adjustment in people living with HIV.

Keywords: HIV, people living with HIV, sexual life, sexuality