Abstract:
Abstract
Introduction: Unprotected sex with multiple partners is the greatest risk factor for HIV
infection in developing countries. In Ethiopia risky sexual behaviors such as having
multiple sexual partners and unprotected sex with non regular and non cohabiting
partner are the major factors that place people at risk of exposure to HIV. Miners are
more likely to have multiple partners and engage in unprotected sex. In Ethiopia there
are more than half a million traditional gold miners. However, there is lack of solid data
and empirical research regarding the risky sexual behavior of this group of population.
Objective: To assess the prevalence and associated factors of multiple sexual partners
and condom use among traditional gold miners.
Methods: Community based cross-sectional quantitative study design was conducted
from April 17 to 23/2012. Stratified random sampling method was used to get a total of
426 samples of miners. Face to face interview technique using structured questionnaire
was used to collect data. The data were entered in to EPI-INFO Version 6 and analyzed
using SPSS Version16. Descriptive statistics, bi-variate and multi-variate logistic
regression were used to assess the prevalence and the association between outcome
and explanatory variables.
Result: Out of the total participants, 33.8% had multiple partners in the past 12 months.
Among sexually active miners 55.2% had had sex with non regular partners. Of whom
42.4% didn’t use condom consistently. Being single [AOR=10.67; 95%CI: 5.15-22.11],
alcohol drinking [AOR=8.5; 95%CI: 3.72-19.43], risk perception to HIV infection and
monthly income were significantly associated to multiple partners. Singles [AOR=6.72;
95%CI: 2.41-18.77], having multiple partners [AOR=3.81; 95%CI: 1.36-10.66] and
knowledge of HIV status were also found to be predictors of condom use.
Conclusion and recommendation: This study showed high prevalence of multiple
sexual partners and low level of condom use among miners. Marital status, alcohol
drinking, khat chewing, risk perception, income and living in mining area for longer
period were associated factors of multiple sexual partners. Marital status, having
multiple partners, place of birth and knowledge of HIV test result were predictors of
condom use. These results warrant special attention to this population.
