Research Article: Social venues and HIV vulnerability of young venue workers: a cluster analysis of data from a national-level cross-sectional survey of social venues in Uganda
Abstract:
Objective Venues where people socialize, such as bars, play a significant role in HIV transmission risk. However, little research has been done that identifies characteristics of high-risk venues, to inform HIV prevention efforts. This study identified clusters of social venues in Uganda and their relationship with HIV vulnerability of young venue workers (15–24 years). We also assessed availability of HIV prevention services at the venues. Design and setting This was a secondary analysis of data from a larger cross-sectional survey of social venues in 25 districts of Uganda. Participants A total of 480 venues that employed young workers were included in this study. Analysis Hierarchical cluster and mixed-effects regression analyses were conducted. Results Four clusters were adopted: cluster 1 represented 127 venues (mainly alcohol-serving sex work venues with a provision of on-site sex); cluster 2 represented 80 venues (mainly alcohol-serving sex work venues without a provision of on-site sex); cluster 3 represented 113 venues (mainly alcohol-serving venues without sex work or on-site sex); and cluster 4 represented 160 venues (non-alcohol-serving venues). We found a positive correlation between venue clusters and HIV vulnerability. Workers who belonged to cluster 1 (alcohol-serving sex work venues with a provision of on-site sex) had a 0.15 increase in HIV vulnerability compared with those in alcohol-serving venues without sex work or a provision of on-site sex (cluster 3) (coefficient: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.030 to 0.287) after adjusting for age, sex and marital status. Thirty-seven per cent of cluster 1 venues reported any HIV prevention services in the past 12 months. Conclusion Alcohol-serving sex work venues with a provision of on-site sex (cluster 1) appeared to reinforce vulnerability to HIV in this study and should be targeted with HIV prevention interventions. Such venues can amplify HIV transmission by facilitating sexual partner coupling and on-site sex.
Introduction:
HIV transmission does not occur in a vacuum; therefore, the context or venue in which people meet sexual partners plays a significant role in HIV transmission risk. 1 2 Worldwide, people meet new sex partners in venues for social interaction, such as bars, lodges and nightclubs. 3 Venues for social interaction are public places where one can go to relax, have fun, drink alcohol or find a sexual partner. These venues are common hotspots for populations at a higher risk of HIV exposure. 4 An increasing body of…
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