Party people in Zambia - Sex, Alcohol and HIV

Introduction

Social drinking is common among Zambian adults. In a growing city as Lusaka, there are many places for one to go drinking. Few studies have investigated how the choice of a drinking place, sexual intention determines risk sexual behaviours among Zambian adults. Even more surprising, is that fewer studies have investigated the connection between alcohol consumption and HIV infection in Zambia than in developed countries. In this study we sought to investigate the correlates of unsafe sexual behaviors among Zambian men. Are people who drink at night clubs likely to engage in unprotected or multiple sexual partners than those who drink at regular bars? Does the choice of alcohol affect the number of sexual partners and engagement in unprotected sex?

Background

Methodology

We surveyed 50 adults attending a night club and 50 drinking at a regular bar to elicit intent for sexual contact, type of alcohol taken, amount of alcohol taken, accompaniment, time of arrival at the drinking place.

Results

The type of alcohol taken, female gender and time of arrival, lone travel and late arrival at the drinking place were significantly associated with unprotected sex and having multiple sexual partners. Travelling with a partner was protective among men but a risk factor for ladies.

Conclusion

These data provide insights on how alcohol contributes to sexual selection, networking, unprotected sex and multiple sexual partners. Understanding of this information is critical for designing public health interventions that are responsive to site, risk and behaviours antecedents of HIV infection.