Risk Factors for HIV-1 Seroprevalence Among Family Planning Clients in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

Between March and September of 1995, women receiving family planning (FP) services in three large clinics in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania were invited to participate in a cross-sectional study. Consenting women were interviewed to obtain information about HIV risk factors, and blood for HIV testing was collected. The prevalence of HIV was 16.9% (95% CI: 14.4%–19.3%). The risk of HIV increased significantly with age. Compared with married women, the risk of HIV was significantly higher among cohabiting women (age-adjusted OR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.5–3.5) and among women who were single, divorced or widowed (age-adjusted OR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.2–4.4). The risk of HIV was also significantly higher among hotel workers (age-adjusted OR = 4.3; 95% CI = 1.4–12.9). Women with laboratory evidence of sexually transmitted diseases were at increased risk of HIV. This study shows that HIV is a major public health problem among FP clients in Tanzania. Innovative HIV interventions are needed to reduce further spread of HIV infection.

(Afr J Reprod Health 2000; 4 [1]: 88-99)

Key Words: HIV, women, family planning, prevalence, risk factors, Tanzania, Africa