Alcohol and Risky Sex in Botswana
Author Information
Author(s): Sheri D. Weiser, Karen Leiter, Michele Heisler, Willi McFarland, Fiona Percy-de Korte, Sonya M. DeMonner, Sheila Tlou, Nthabiseng Phaladze, Vincent Iacopino, David R. Bangsberg
Primary Institution: Physicians for Human Rights, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
Hypothesis
What is the relationship between alcohol use and high-risk sexual behaviors in Botswana?
Conclusion
Alcohol use is associated with multiple risks for HIV transmission among both men and women.
Supporting Evidence
- 31% of men and 17% of women in the study met criteria for heavy drinking.
- Heavy alcohol use was associated with higher odds of unprotected sex, multiple partners, and paying for sex.
- A dose-response relationship was seen between alcohol use and risky sexual behaviors.
Takeaway
Drinking alcohol can make people more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, which can lead to higher chances of getting HIV.
Methodology
A cross-sectional, population-based study using a stratified two-stage probability sample design.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reporting and the study's cross-sectional design.
Limitations
Self-reporting may introduce bias, and the study did not address alcohol dependence or impairment in social functioning.
Participant Demographics
The study included 1,268 adults (614 men and 654 women) aged 15-49 from five districts in Botswana.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 1.65 to 7.32 for unprotected sex among men; 95% CI, 1.71 to 6.28 for unprotected sex among women.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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