The intersection of intimate partner violence and HIV risk among women engaging in transactional sex in Ugandan fishing villages

ABSTRACT

Intimate partner violence (IPV) may increase risk for HIV/AIDS among women engaging in transactional sex in Ugandan fishing communities. In this cross-sectional study, 115 women reporting engaging in transactional sex in Lake Victoria fishing communities completed a computerized interview. We tested associations between IPV and other HIV risk factors, with unprotected sex and HIV status, and tested moderators of the IPV-HIV risk relationship. Women reporting recent sexual IPV reported 3.36 times more unprotected sex acts (AdjExp[B] = 3.36, 95% CI = 1.29–8.69, p = 0.07). The effect of sexual IPV on sexual risk was significantly greater among alcohol and fish sellers compared to sex workers (interaction: Exp[B] = 12.29, 95% CI = 5.06–29.85, p < 0.001). Women reporting any sexual IPV were nearly four times more likely to report being HIV positive than women reporting no sexual IPV (AOR = 3.94, 95% CI = 1.22–12.66, p = 0.02). Integrated IPV and HIV interventions are needed in this context, especially among alcohol and fish sellers engaging in transactional sex.

KEYWORDS:

• HIV/AIDS
• intimate partner violence
• transactional sex
• female sex workers
• Uganda

Acknowledgements

We thank Joseph Kibuuka, Samuel Namukonge, and Hajara Kagulire for their role in data collection and transcription.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Grant [grant number P01 AA019072] awarded to Peter M. Monti. Dr. Kiene was supported by a K01 Mentored Research Scientist Development Award from the National Institute of Mental Health [grant number K01 MH083536]. K. Sileo was supported by a T32 Predoctoral Fellowship Award on Substance Abuse, HIV, and Related Infections from the National Institute on Drug Abuse [grant number T32 DA023356], PI: Steffanie Strathdee.