Risk factors for HIV transmission: Findings from a cross - sectional study in iringa, Tanzania

Background: Iringa remains the region with the highest HIV prevalence (15.7% in 2008) in Tanzania despite the intensity of interventional response. Previous findings suggest that the interplay of local contextual factors and changing sexual risk behaviors may explain the sustained high prevalence. This study assessed potential HIV risk factors that are contributing to HIV infections in Iringa. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, self-administered questionnaires assessed perceptions, behavioral intent, HIV testing, exposure to existing interventions and HIV risk and protective behaviors among adults aged 18 years and older in Iringa urban and Mufindi districts in Tanzania. Results: The study included 101 participants aged between 19 – 59 years old. Forty-eight percent (n = 48) and fifty-four percent 52% (n = 53) of the participants were males and females, respectively. HIV risk behaviors were significantly associated with alcohol use 34% (95% CI: 24-43) with Ulanga- a local brew being the most commonly used alcohol type. While condom use was less common, oral sex was prevalent and associated with HIV risk at 29.7% (95% CI: 21-39) and weakly associated with increased anal sex 15.8% (95% CI: 9-24) and drug use 5% (95% CI: 4-16). Conclusion: The region is experiencing changes in sexual risk behaviors significantly associated with alcohol use. This suggests the need to regulate alcohol use and production of Ulanga (local brew). The relatively low level of drug abuse highlights the importance of early community based prevention along with intensified efforts for HIV testing and condom use.