HIV Epidemiology in Uganda: survey based on age, gender, number of sexual partners and frequency of testing

Background:Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. When compared to the developed countries where HIV prevalence is on the decline, sub-Saharan Africa has experienced either a rise or stagnation in rates.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to test and educate the community in the villages of Masajja and Kibiri of Wakiso district in Uganda for HIV and safe sex practices.
Methods: A sociodemographic survey was also performed to obtain data for gender, age, number of sexual partners during the previous year, frequency of testing and if ever tested positive for other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Results: While 7 of the tested individuals were positive for HIV, 77 reported that they had once tested positive for other STDs. Of the 7 HIV positive individuals, 4 were females and 3 males. Over half of the tested individuals reported only one sexual partner in past 12 months and more than a quarter were sexually active with more than one partner. Majority of our population also reported getting HIV tested every 6 months or less.
Conclusion: Robust implementation of methods such as education and frequent testing can lower Uganda’s prevalence of HIV even further.

Keywords
HIV Epidemiology; age; gender; number of sexual partners; frequency of testing; Uganda.