Abstract

Globally, about 36.7 million people are living with HIV of which 51% are women worldwide. In Africa there is still prevalence of new HIV infections with 12% occur in married couples many of whom are unaware of both partners’sero-statuses. The study purpose was to establish factors contributing to increased HIV infection among Married Couples attending ART Clinic at Ishaka Adventist Hospital, Bushenyi District. The study used a descriptive cross-sectional design which employed quantitative methods of data collection within a short period of only two weeks. The study was conducted in ART clinic in Ishaka Adventist Hospital. Study results showed that out of the 85 participants 47 (55%) were female and 38 (45%) were male. Most participants 43 (51%) had sex outside their relationship meanwhile few 12 (14%) never had sex outside relationship. A large proportion of the participants 51 (60%) were unemployed while the few 34 (40%) were employed. The participants revealed that HIV infection is common with married couple 66% (56), majority 46 (54%) culture say sex outside marriage is for pleasure meanwhile 4 (5%) were other like to satisfy needs. The nearest distance from health facility to home most 40 (47.1%) reside 6 km or more. Most with 45% (38) spend less than 1 hour waiting for couple HIV services from the clinic and few 8% (7) spend over 4 hours. Uganda MOH should know that Couples counseling and testing activities need to be made available at all the health facilities to reduce the hindrance of travel costs.