Behavioral survey for HIV/AIDS infection in Asosa, among the general population and commercial sex workers
Mesfin Eshetu; Kebede, D.; Shabbir Ismail; Sanders, E.; Dawit Wolday; Tsehaynesh Messele; Belete Tegbaru; Alemayehu Worku
Ethiopian Journal of Health Development 18(2): 75-81
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 1021-6790 Document Number: 574590
Background: Assessment of high-risk behaviour for HIV/AIDS transmission is rare in emerging regions of Ethiopia. Objective: To assess high-risk behaviour and factors for voluntary counselling and testing (VCT). Methods: A cross-sectional behavioural survey was conducted between March and April 2001 in Asosa Town, Ethiopia on randomly selected adults and all female sex workers. Results: From 631 sexually active adults, 527 (84.6%) had sexual intercourse in last the 12 months, 67 (12.7%) had sex in exchange for money, and 88 (16.7%) had sex with their non-regular non-commercial partner. Ever use of condom among the general population and female sex workers was found in 168 (26.6%) and 185 (88.5%), respectively. More than one third of the respondents among the general population knew a person who died of HIV/AIDS, and 47.6 % of the respondents lost a close relative due to the same cause. Among the general population, 421 (47.6%) were aware of being engaged in high-risk practices, which expose them to HIV/AIDS. Multivariate analysis revealed that females (odds ratio (OR)=1.5; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.02-2.10) and individuals who had a positive attitude to take VCT (OR=1.60: 95% CI=1.2-2.2) felt themselves more at risk. Conclusion: High-risk behaviour, low levels of condom use and knowledge about the epidemic have been found in Asosa. Behavioural change communication has to be implemented to reduce those risk behaviour and scale up condom use.