ABSTRACT
This study evaluated the correlates of three alcohol measures using a cross-sectional survey conducted among patrons of alcohol-serving venues in Gaborone, Botswana from October 2012 to February 2013. Using logistic regression, we found that engaging in higher levels of sexual risk behaviors was significantly associated with frequent drinking (at least 3 times a week), heavy episodic drinking (more than 6 standard units of alcohol at least weekly) and probable alcohol dependence (AUDIT score ≥20). Additionally, having higher levels of alcohol expectancies that increase the risk of HIV infection was significantly associated with probable alcohol dependence. Although HIV knowledge was generally high in this population, there is need for HIV prevention and alcohol harm reduction efforts to address the role of alcohol in increasing HIV risk and encourage the adoption of safer drinking patterns and the modification of alcohol expectancies.
Subject(s)
Alcohol Drinking/epidemiology , HIV Infections/prevention & control , Sexual Behavior/statistics & numerical data , Adolescent , Adult , Botswana/epidemiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Interviews as Topic , Logistic Models , Male , Risk-Taking , Young AdultABSTRACT
Alcohol use is a known key risk factor associated with risky sexual behavior that contributes to HIV transmission. This cross-sectional study used time location sampling to investigate alcohol use and risky sexual behaviors that occurred after ingesting alcohol among 609 patrons of alcohol venues in Gaborone, Botswana. Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) scores were categorized as low (1-7), medium (8-15), and high (16+) for analysis. Logistic regression models stratified by gender assessed the association between alcohol use and condom use at last sex after drinking alcohol. Among females, the odds of condom use during last sex after drinking alcohol were significantly lower for high compared to low AUDIT scores (AOR = 0.17, 95% CI 0.06-0.54). Among males, factors significantly associated with condom use at last sex after alcohol use were low levels of education (primary level compared to university and above AOR = 0.13; 95% CI 0.03-0.55) and beliefs that alcohol use did not increase risky sexual behaviors (AOR = 0.26; 95% CI 0.11-0.62). HIV prevention interventions should target females and emphasize sexual risks associated with alcohol use.
