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Predisposing sexual and drug related risk factors among prisoners in Zanzibar
M. Dahoma1, E. Mtumbuka2, A. Othman3, A. Seha4, A. Abdullah5
1Zanzibar AIDS Control Programme, Strategic Information, Zanzibar, Tanzania, United Republic of, 2Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS Initiative, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of, 3Zanzibar AIDS Control Programme, Laboratory Diagnosis, Zanzibar, Tanzania, United Republic of, 4Zanzibar AIDS Control Programme, Management, Zanzibar, Tanzania, United Republic of, 5Correctional Facilities, Special Departments, Zanzibar, Tanzania, United Republic of
Background: Monitoring HIV infection in closed societies with concentrated epidemics in Africa has been of great challenge. Currently, Zanzibar has been documenting high level of sexual and drug related risk behaviours among the Most at Risk Populations namely IDUs, MSM & Female sex workers. High levels of STI infections iamong MARPs compared to those documented in the general populations. This assessment was designed to address the challenges of the scant available information in prisons hampering effective designing of HIV interventions.
Objective: To determine risk behaviours and accompanying STIs (including HIV) among people in prisons.
Methods: A Cross sectional Peer Driven Rapid assessment was undertaken to 400 consented Prisoners in Zanzibar coupled by VCT service access. The study also applied a Semi-structured Questionnaire with biological sample collection (Blood and Urine). Collected blood was used to test for HIV; Syphillis; Hepatitis B &C while rapid test were used to determine the presence of excreted drugs in urine. Sero-positively diagnosed study participants were referred to the nearest Care and treatment centre for further appropriate management
Results: A total of 400 prisoners were included in the study with 47.6% being between the age group of 25-34 years. Majority were -Singles (40.8%). 51.9% had attained primary education with 24% of participants have served between two to four times. 23% acknowledged to have been involved in anal sex relations. History of past STI was reported by 22%of study participants with 6% of being IDUs. Among IDUs 40% reported sharing of paraphernalia with 22% of them practising “flash blood”. Overall infection was 2.8% for HIV; 7.1% for hepatitis B; 4.8% -Hepatitis C and 3.8% with Syphillis.
Conclusions: Based on study findings urgent public health interventions targeting at Risk reduction with prevention, care, treatment and support services are of paramount importance for the incarcerated populations in Zanzibar.
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