Alcohol use, intimate partner violence, and HIV sexual risk behavior among young people in fishing communities of Lake Victoria, Uganda

BackgroundFew studies have investigated the association between alcohol use, intimate partner violence, and HIV sexual risk behavior among young people in fishing communities from eastern and central Uganda. Therefore, we aimed to determine the association between alcohol use, intimate partner violence, and HIV sexual risk behavior among young people in the fishing communities on the shores of Lake Victoria, in Uganda.MethodsWe conducted multivariable logistic regression analyses of HIV risk behavior using cross-sectional data from 501 young people from Mukono (Katosi landing site) and Namayingo districts (Lugala landing site).ResultsAlmost all (97%) respondents reported at least one HIV risk behavior; more than half (54%) reported engagement in three or more HIV risk behaviors. Results from the adjusted model indicate that alcohol use, working for cash or kind, being married, and having multiple sexual partners increased the odds of HIV risk behavior. IPV was not associated with HIV risk behavior.ConclusionInterventions to promote consistent condom use and fewer sexual partnerships are critical for young people in the fishing communities in Uganda.

Automated summary

The study found that alcohol use, working for cash or kind, being married, and having multiple sexual partners were associated with increased odds of HIV risk behavior among young people in fishing communities on the shores of Lake Victoria in Uganda. Intimate partner violence, however, was not found to be associated with HIV risk behavior. Interventions promoting consistent condom use and fewer sexual partnerships are crucial for this population.