Prevalence and risk factors of HIV infection among people with disabilities in Burkina Faso

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of HIV infection among people with disabilities (PWDs) in Burkina Faso. We carried out a cross-sectional study on level 3 and/or 4 disabled people. Identification of PWDs aged 15–69 years was done in households using the Washington Group (WG) Short questionnaire, following by HIV behavioural survey and HIV testing. Multi-level binary logistics Bayesian analysis was done to identify factor associated with HIV. In total, 973 PWDs were included in this study. HIV prevalence was 4.6% (3.3–6.1%). Independent factors associated with HIV infection were aged 35–44 years old (AOR: 8.93; 95% CrI: 3.57–18.89), had visual or hearing impairments (AOR: 6.38; 95%CrI: 1.95–15.44), no income (AOR:6.11; 95% CrI: 2.49–12.48), and had casual sex partners (AOR: 6.28; 95% CrI: 3.27–11.13). HIV prevalence is high compared to the general population. These data suggest a need for comprehensive and specific HIV prevention among people with disabilities, including awareness for safer sexual behaviours.

KEYWORDS:

• HIV prevalence
• disabled persons
• Burkina Faso

Acknowledgements

FEBAH, SP/CNLS-IST, INSD, Associations (DPOs), administrative, health and municipal authorities in the regions and localities covered by the survey, people with disabilities and their households, data collection agents.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Ethical considerations

The study protocol was approved by the Health Research Ethics Board (deliberation N°2017-7-103). Informed consent was obtained from participants before the interviews began and for blood collection.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by NGO Humanity & Inclusion (HI).