Assessment of Risky Sexual Behaviour for HIV/AIDS among Male Daily Laborers in Kombolcha Town, South Wollo Zone, Amhara National Regional State, North East Ethiopia
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Date
2007-03
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Addis Abeba Universty
Abstract
Different studies in Africa and elsewhere show that the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS is highly
related to the process of migration. In most sub-Saharan African countries mobility and
HIV/AIDS are linked to heterosexual transmission; fueled by rampant STDs, multiple and
commercial sexual relations, low condom use, poor access to health services and other sociocultural
& economic factors related to population movement.
In Ethiopia, though various researches have been made to assess the sexual behaviors of
different population groups, still there is lack of studies that address the sexual behaviors of
transient rural migrants. This cross-sectional survey conducted from May to June 2006, tried
to investigate the magnitude and determinants of risky sexual behaviors for HIV/AIDS
among male migrant daily laborers in Kombolcha town, North east Ethiopia.
A total of 420 daily laborers with a response rate of 99.5% for the quantitative and 36
discussants for the qualitative part participated in the study. More than a third (36.2%) of
daily laborers was found to be currently sexually active. Among the currently sexually active
respondents, 43.4% and 55.9% admitted practicing sex with multiple sexual partners and
commercial sex workers respectively. Having multiple sexual partners was positively
associated with longer duration of stay in the town [AOR (95% CI) = 2.34(1.04, 5.27) and
chewing khat 2.30(1.02, 5.16) . Whereas practicing sex with commercial sex workers was
associated with longer duration of stay in the town [AOR (95% CI) = 2.33(1.06, 5.13)],
drinking alcohols 2.60(1.12, 6.02)] and chewing khat 4.16(1.46, 11.8)].
Although 57.9% of the currently sexually active respondents had experience of condom use
during their stay in the town, only 34.9% were consistent users. Better educational level
[AOR (95% CI) = 2.88(1.05, 7.94), not drinking alcohols 2.57(1.10, 6.00), full time
accessibility of condom 3.22(1.18, 8.82) and self HIV/AIDS risk perception 3.58(1.29, 9.98)]
were factors associated with consistent condom use.
In conclusion, the prevalence of high risk sexual behaviors among the study population was
high. There was a gap between knowledge on HIV/AIDS and sexual behavior of
respondents. Therefore, urgent health education program that aimed at bringing behavioral
change (BCC) should be planned and implemented by giving more emphasis on the
identified risky sexual behaviors.
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Assessment of Risky Sexual Behaviour for HIV/AIDS