Levels of alcohol use and history of HIV testing among female sex workers in Mombasa, Kenya

Abstract

HIV testing is a critical first step to accessing HIV care and treatment, particularly for high-risk groups such as female sex workers (FSWs). Alcohol use may be a barrier to accessing HIV services, including HIV testing. We analyzed data from a cross-sectional survey of 818 FSWs in Mombasa, Kenya, and estimated the association between different levels of alcohol use and having never tested for HIV. In multivariable analyses, higher levels of alcohol consumption were associated with having never tested for HIV (PR 1.60; 95% CI: 1.07, 2.40). Future interventions should explore whether reducing harmful drinking improves HIV testing among FSWs.

Keywords:

• HIV testing
• alcohol use
• female sex workers
• HIV prevention

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Debra H. Weiner, Betsy Tolley, and Allison Prickett for their helpful comments in the development of this manuscript.

Funding

This research was supported by the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the USAID under the terms of [grant number AID-623-A-11-00007]. Ms Bengtson was supported by a fellowship through the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and FHI 360. The views expressed in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of FHI 360 or the funding agencies.

Additional information

Funding

Funding: This research was supported by the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the USAID under the terms of [grant number AID-623-A-11-00007]. Ms Bengtson was supported by a fellowship through the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and FHI 360. The views expressed in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of FHI 360 or the funding agencies.