Personal And Behavioural Characteristics And Risk Of HIV Transmission Among Men And Women In An Urban Fishing Setting In Ghana

Abstract

Background: HIV surveillance surveys are designed to track trends in HIV and AIDS related knowledge, attitudes and behaviours in sub-populations at particular risk of infection and link the behaviour to biological surveillance. This survey determined personal characteristics, high risk sexual behaviours and HIV perception and testing experience among men and women in an urban fishing community in Ghana.
Methods: A cross-sectional community survey was conducted in 2013 among men and women in two fishing communities (Chorkor and James Town) in Accra. In all, 554 subjects (≥18 years) were involved, 264 in Chorkor and 290 in James Town. Data on personal and behavioural characteristics, high risk sexual behaviours, HIV perception and testing experience among men and women were collected with a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Chi square test were used for the analysis at 95% significant level, using SPSS version 21.
Results: Of 554 subjects, 329 (59.4%) were females, and median age was 32 years. A higher proportion of women had no formal education, relatively more men were employed and earned statistically significant higher monthly income than women (72.2% vs. 65.9%, p< 0.001). More working men were involved in itinerant occupations compared to women (46.1% vs. 22%; p< 0.001). Half of all respondents have had sexual intercourse less than a month prior to survey, however, only less than a third 153 (28.5%) used
condom during the last intercourse. High risk HIV sexual behaviour was more common in younger age groups (> 30 years), those living with partners, those with low education, those currently employed, and those without health insurance. It was also higher in those who did not perceive themselves as being at risk of HIV, have never tested for HIV and who were not members of any social groups or clubs.
Conclusion: The survey indicated important personnel and behavioural characteristics that are very important for programme planning and control. Targeted health promotion messages, behaviour change communication, and increased engagement with
communities and groups are necessary to capture vulnerable men and women in high risk settings. Behavioural surveillance surveys should be considered essential component of national control efforts.