Online Program

291220
So many people here take alcohol and AIDS is a big problem: Examining the factors influencing the HIV epidemic in iringa, Tanzania


Monday, November 4, 2013

Jo Ann Ford, MRC, Substance Abuse Resources and Disability Issues (SARDI), Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Kettering, OH
Tumaini Nyamhanga, PhD, BSN, School of Public Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Columba Mbekenga, PhD, BSN, RN, School of Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Rosemary Eustace, PhD, PHCNS-BC, RN, College of Nursing and Health, Wright State University, Dayton, OH
Josephine Wilson, DDS, PhD, Substance Abuse Resources and Disability Issues (SARDI), Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Kettering, OH
Windy Richlen, B.A., SARDI Program, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Kettering, OH
Khadija Yahya-Malima, PhD, BSN, RN, School of Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Background: The study explored contextual factors fueling HIV transmission in Iringa urban and Mufindi districts in Tanzania. Method: The data collection methods included two focus group discussions, ten in-depth interviews with community members and six systems key informant interviews. Results: Study participants voiced concerns on alcohol consumption as a risk factor in HIV transmission. Findings indicate that many people in the study districts are alcohol drinkers – with lots of outlets (vilabu) for homemade alcoholic beverages that are affordable to low income individuals. Alcohol consumption was conceptualized in three main categories, namely: 1) A promoter of multiple sexual partners – a man attempts to get a new sexual partner at every drinking place he goes to; 2) An inhibitor - when a person is drunk, he/she is less likely to remember to put on a condom during sexual encounters and, 3) An intergenerational risk - drunkenness promotes intergenerational sex because alcohol consumption is practiced by both younger and adult populations. More importantly, in such circumstances poor young women who use sex as a means of earning income – knowing very well the risk involved – charge more money if the male partner demands to have unprotected sex. Although alcohol drinking was reported to be fueling HIV transmission, alcohol brewing and selling constitute an important source of income for many poor people particularly women in the two districts. Conclusion: HIV control programs in Tanzania, particularly in Iringa, should seriously consider addressing the questions of alcohol brewing and consumption from different perspectives.

Learning Areas:

Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Program planning

Learning Objectives:
Identify the contextual factors influencing HIV transmission among adults aged 18 and above in Iringa region

Keyword(s): HIV/AIDS, Alcohol Use

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: As a public health professional and principle investigator, I have been involved in the design and implementation of this international collaborative study as well as other local HIV/AIDS prevention efforts.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.