Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Factors Associated with HIV Status Among Vulnerable Women in Northern Uganda: Baseline Results from Pe Atye Kena Cohort Study

• Published in: Mediterranean journal of hematology and infectious diseases 2021-09, Vol.13 (1), p.e2021055
• Main Authors: Segala, F V, Micheli, G, Seguiti, C, Pierantozzi, A, Lukwiya, R, Odong, B, Aloi, F, Ochola, E, Cauda, R, De Gaetano Donati, K, Cingolani, A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Original
• ISSN: 2035-3006; 2035-3006
• DOI: 10.4084/MJHID.2021.055

HIV infection among vulnerable women (VW) has been attributed to unfavourable power relations and limited access to sexual and reproductive health information and services. This work aims to report sexually-transmitted infections (STI) prevalence and assess the impact of HIV awareness, demographic and socio-behavioural factors on HIV status in a rural area of northern Uganda. Pe Atye Kena is a longitudinal cohort intervention study enrolling young women aged 18-49 years old living in the municipality of Gulu, Uganda. HIV, HBV, syphilis serologic tests, and a comprehensive electronic questionnaire on sexual high-risk behaviours were administered before intervention. In this work, we report baseline characteristics of the population along with factors associated with HIV status. Statistical analysis was performed by uni- and multivariable regression models. 461 VW were enrolled (mean age: 29 (SD7.7)). 40 (8.7%) were found to be positive for HIV, 42 (9.1%) for syphilis and 29 (6.3%) for HBV. Older age (> 34 years vs. < 24 years; OR 4.95, 95% CI: 1.7 to 14); having done the last HIV test > 12m before the interview (OR 5.21, 95% CI: 2.3 to 11); suspecting the male sexual partner to be HIV+ (OR 2.2; 95% CI: 1.1 to 4.3); not having used condom at first sexual intercourse (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.3 to 5.15) were all factors associated with an incident HIV diagnosis. In this cohort, HIV prevalence is high, and sexual high-risk behaviours are multifaced; future interventions will be aimed to reduce HIV/STIs misconceptions and to promote a sense of community, self-determination and female empowerment.