The association between substance abuse and HIV infection among people visiting HIV counseling and testing centers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract Background: The magnitude of HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia is ever increasing. It is also believed that the use of substances is increasing in some major towns including Addis Ababa. However, data regarding the relation of substance abuse and HIV infection is lacking. Objective: A case-control study was carried out in Addis Ababa to explore the association between substance abuse and HIV infection and to determine factors related to substance abuse among people visiting HIV counseling and testing centers. Methods: Cases and controls were compared by socio demographic, socio economic, exposure to substances and risky behaviors that predispose them to HIV infection. Result: In the study, alcohol drinking was found to be associated with serum HIV positivity. While young age of 15 to 24 years and being single were found to be associated with serum HIV positivity, having income was found to be protective. Being male and having sex with commercial sex workers were related to both alcohol drinking and khat chewing. Conclusion and recommendations: Alcohol was found to be a significant risk factor for HIV infection in the study population. The need for health education to bring about behavioral changes and further study to identify the prevalence and role of substance in exposure to HIV infection in the community is recommended. [Ethiop.J.Health Dev. 2005;19(2):116-125]