Alcohol consumption as a barrier to prior HIV testing in a population-based study in rural Uganda

Authors

Robin Fatch
Benjamin Bellows, Population Council
Fred Bagenda
Edgar M. Mulogo
Sheri Weiser
Judith A. Hahn

Document Type

Article (peer-reviewed)

Publication Date

2013

Abstract

Early receipt of HIV care and ART is essential for improving treatment outcomes, but is dependent first upon HIV testing. Heavy alcohol consumption is common in sub-Saharan Africa, a barrier to ART adherence, and a potential barrier to HIV care. We conducted a population-based study of 2,516 adults in southwestern Uganda from November–December 2007, and estimated the relative risk of having never been tested for HIV using sex-stratified Poisson models. More men (63.9%) than women (56.9%) had never been tested. In multivariable analysis, compared to women who had not consumed alcohol for at least 5 years, women who were current heavy drinkers and women who last drank alcohol 1–5 years prior, were more likely to have never been tested. Alcohol use was not associated with prior HIV testing among men. HIV testing strategies may thus need to specifically target women who drink alcohol.

Recommended Citation

Fatch, Robin, Benjamin Bellows, Fred Bagenda, Edgar M. Mulogo, Sheri Weiser, and Judith A. Hahn. 2013. "Alcohol consumption as a barrier to prior HIV testing in a population-based study in rural Uganda," AIDS and Behavior 17(5): 1713–1723.

DOI

10.1007/s10461-012-0282-2

Language

English