Intimate partner violence, HIV and sexually transmitted infections in fishing, trading and agrarian communities in Rakai, Uganda

Bushra Sabri, Andrea L. Wirtz, Joseph Ssekasanvu, Bareng A.S. Nonyane, Fred Nalugoda, Joseph Kagaayi, Robert Ssekubugu, Jennifer A. Wagman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV), HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STI) can contribute to disparities in population health, depending on the individual, social and environmental factors characterizing a setting. To better understand the place-based determinants and patterns of these key interrelated public health problems in Uganda, we compared risk factors for IPV, HIV and STI in fishing, trading and agrarian communities in Rakai, Uganda by gender. Method: This study used cross-sectional data collected from 14,464 sexually active men (n = 6531) and women (n = 7933) as part of the Rakai Community Cohort Study, a population-based open cohort study of men and women aged 15-49 years. We used multilevel modified poisson regression models, which incorporated random intercepts for community and households. Factors associated with IPV, HIV and STI were assessed separately for men and women in fishing, trading and agrarian communities. Results: A larger proportion of participants in the fishing communities than those in trading and agrarian communities were HIV positive, engaged in HIV risk behaviors, had STI symptoms and reported perpetration of or victimization by IPV. Female gender was a shared correlate of IPV, HIV and STI in the fishing communities. Engagement in multiple sexual relationships or partner's engagement in multiple relationships were shared correlates of IPV, and HIV in agrarian communities and IPV and STI in trading communities. Conclusion: Programs should target factors at multiple levels to reduce risk for syndemic conditions of HIV, STI and IPV in Rakai, Uganda particularly among men and women in fishing communities.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number594
JournalBMC public health
Volume19
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - May 17 2019

Keywords

  • HIV
  • Intimate partner violence
  • Sexually transmitted infections

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Intimate partner violence, HIV and sexually transmitted infections in fishing, trading and agrarian communities in Rakai, Uganda'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this