Stanley Luchters,1 Scott Geibel,2 Masila Syengo,3 Daniel Lango,3 Nzioki King’ola,3 Marleen Temmerman,1 and Matthew F Chersich1,4
Affiliations
1International Centre for Reproductive Health (ICRH), Department of Obstetrics and Gynecologics, Ghent University, Belgium
2Population Council, Nairobi, Kenya
3International Centre for Reproductive Health (ICRH), Mombasa, Kenya
4Centre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Witwatersrand, South Africa
Corresponding author.
Stanley Luchters: eb.tnegu@srethcul.yelnats; Scott Geibel: gro.licnuocpop@lebiegs; Masila Syengo: gro.khrci@ogneys.alisaM; Daniel Lango: gro.khrci@ognal.leinaD; Nzioki King’ola: gro.khrci@alognik.ikoizn; Marleen Temmerman: eb.tnegu@namremmet.neelram; Matthew F Chersich: az.ca.stiw@hcisrehc.wehttam
Abstract
Background
Previous research has linked alcohol use with an increased number of sexual partners, inconsistent condom use and a raised incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, alcohol measures have been poorly standardized, with many ill-suited to eliciting, with adequate precision, the relationship between alcohol use and sexual risk behavior. This study investigates which alcohol indicator – single-item measures of frequency and patterns of drinking ( > = 6 drinks on 1 occasion), or the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) – can detect associations between alcohol use and unsafe sexual behavior among male sex workers.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey in 2008 recruited male sex workers who sell sex to men from 65 venues in Mombasa district, Kenya, similar to a 2006 survey. Information was collected on socio-demographics, substance use, sexual behavior, violence and STI symptoms. Multivariate models examined associations between the three measures of alcohol use and condom use, sexual violence, and penile or anal discharge.
Results
The 442 participants reported a median 2 clients/week (IQR = 1-3), with half using condoms consistently in the last 30 days. Of the approximately 70% of men who drink alcohol, half (50.5%) drink two or more times a week. Binge drinking was common (38.9%). As defined by AUDIT, 35% of participants who drink had hazardous drinking, 15% harmful drinking and 21% alcohol dependence. Compared with abstinence, alcohol dependence was associated with inconsistent condom use (AOR = 2.5, 95%CI = 1.3-4.6), penile or anal discharge (AOR = 1.9, 95%CI = 1.0-3.8), and two-fold higher odds of sexual violence (AOR = 2.0, 95%CI = 0.9-4.9). Frequent drinking was associated with inconsistent condom use (AOR = 1.8, 95%CI = 1.1-3.0) and partner number, while binge drinking was only linked with inconsistent condom use (AOR = 1.6, 95%CI = 1.0-2.5).
Conclusions
Male sex workers have high levels of hazardous and harmful drinking, and require alcohol-reduction interventions. Compared with indicators of drinking frequency or pattern, the AUDIT measure has stronger associations with inconsistent condom use, STI symptoms and sexual violence. Increased use of the AUDIT tool in future studies may assist in delineating with greater precision the explanatory mechanisms which link alcohol use, drinking contexts, sexual behaviors and HIV transmission.
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