Assessment of Alcohol Use and Risky Sexual Behaviors Among Local Drink Sellers in Addis Ketema Sub City, Addis Ababa

Introduction

AIDS continues to be a major global health priority. The number of people living with HIV is still growing worldwide reaching an estimated 33.3 million in 2009. Women who sell alcohol are at increased risk of drinking alcohol themselves, engaging in unprotected sex with their clients, and HIV infection.

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of alcohol use and its association with risky sexual behaviors among local drink sellers in Addis Ketema sub-city, Addis Ababa.

Method

A cross sectional study was conducted among 698 women engaged in selling local alcohol drinks in Addis Ketema sub-city Addis Ababa. Respondents were assessed by socio demographic variables, type, amount and frequency of alcohol use and also risky sexual behaviors and bivariate and multivariate analysis were used to assess the association between these variables. Logistic regression was used to control confounding variables.

Results

The prevalence of alcohol use among local drink sellers was found to be 33.3%. About 72(41%) of the respondents drink alcohol on a daily basis, while 46(26.4%) drink alcohol twice a week and 56(32.2%) drink alcohol once a week or lessAlcohol drinking was found to be associated with monthly personal income of 100 birr or more and being divorced. Having 3 or more drinks at one time was associated with having had sex with non regular partner and also with receiving gift or money in exchange for sex. Condom use at last sex was higher among those who ever drink alcohol, had primary and above level of education and those who were never married.

Conclusions

HIV prevention programs for local drink sellers should recognize that alcohol use may be an important indicator of risk for HIV infection and AIDS through its association with risky sexual behaviors.