HIV infection and sexual partnerships and behaviour among adolescent girls in Nairobi, Kenya
Rositch, A.F.; Cherutich, P.; Brentlinger, P.; Kiarie, J.N.; Nduati, R.; Farquhar, C.
International Journal of Std and Aids 23(7): 468-474
2012
ISSN/ISBN: 1758-1052 PMID: 22843999 DOI: 10.1258/ijsa.2012.011361Document Number: 563827
Early sexual partnerships place young women in sub-Saharan Africa at high risk for HIV. Few studies have examined both individual- and partnership-level characteristics of sexual relationships among adolescent girls. A cross-sectional survey of sexual history and partnerships was conducted among 761 adolescent girls aged 15-19 years in Nairobi, Kenya. Rapid HIV testing was conducted and correlates of HIV infection were determined using multivariate logistic regression. The HIV prevalence was 7% and seropositive adolescents had a younger age at sexual debut (P < 0.01), more sexual partners in 12 months (P = 0.03), and were more likely to report transactional or non-consensual sex (P < 0.01). Girls who reported not knowing their partner's HIV status were 14 times as likely to be HIV-seropositive than girls who knew their partner's status (adjusted odds ratio: 14.2 [1.8, 109.3]). Public health messages to promote HIV testing and disclosure within partnerships could reduce sexual risk behaviours and HIV transmission among adolescents.