Brief Report: Predictors of Concurrent Sexual Partnerships and Association With Recent HIV Infection in a Large Population-Based Survey in Botswana

This study examined what factors are linked to having overlapping sexual relationships and whether these behaviors are associated with recent HIV infection in Botswana. Using data from a large, nationally representative health survey, the researchers looked at adults’ sexual behaviors and results from laboratory tests that can identify recent HIV infections. They found that about 13% of men and 7% of women reported having two or more sexual partners at the same time. Younger age (especially 15–24 years), being single, having less education, alcohol use, and a history of sexually transmitted infections were among the characteristics associated with concurrent partnerships. People who reported overlapping sexual relationships were more likely to have evidence of recent HIV infection compared with those who did not report such behavior. The link between concurrency and recent infection remained even after accounting for other known risk factors. The findings suggest that overlapping sexual partnerships contribute to ongoing HIV transmission in Botswana and highlight the need for prevention programs that address relationship patterns, promote safer sexual behavior, and reduce risk among groups with higher rates of concurrent partnerships. Improving education and reducing alcohol‑related risk may also help decrease the occurrence of overlapping partners and, ultimately, HIV transmission. The study supports efforts to tailor interventions to the behaviors and circumstances that most strongly influence HIV spread in communities with high prevalence.