Socio-cultural correlates and risky sexual behaviour influencing prevalence of HIV/AIDS and STIs in Uganda: A gender perspective

The present study focuses on the behavioural factors especially risky sexual behaviours along with the other socio-economic correlates of the high prevalence of STIs and HIV infection in Uganda. The Uganda AIDS Indicator Survey (2011) data is used. The total sample is 16,607 of which 7,122 are men and 9,485 are women. HIV prevalence is high among men (33.4%) and women (50.2%) with any sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or STI symptoms. Women are significantly more vulnerable to any STIs and HIV/AIDS than men. The prevalence of HIV and STIs is much higher among widow, divorced and separated. Drinking alcohol and not using a condom during sex, having two or more sexual partners are the contributing factors to high HIV and STIs prevalence. Awareness of preventive methods and transmission of STIs, and changes in sexual behaviour are required. The difference in the prevalence of STIs and HIV among men and women can be minimised by increasing employment opportunity for women, by securing woman’s sexual right through legal protection and by targeting men’s perception towards women’s sexuality.

Abstract licence: CC BY

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