HIV in Sunyani and peri-urban areas is associated with previous history of syphilis infection and multiple sexual partners: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: The Bono Region of Ghana has consistently recorded high HIV prevalence over the years, with an average prevalence of 3.4% in the recent HIV survey. Sunyani, the capital region of Bono, recorded an HIV prevalence of 3.8% higher than the HIV Sentinel Survey average. Objective: This study assessed the factors associated with the high HIV prevalence in the Sunyani municipality of the Bono Region of Ghana. Methods: Participants accessing HIV counselling and testing services were enrolled from three hospitals in the Sunyani Municipality using a cross-sectional design from March to August 2018 and were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with HIV prevalence at p < 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval. Results: The mean age of respondents was 30.8 ± 8.5 years. The prevalence of HIV among participants was 10.3% (95% CI: 7.82-13.54). HIV prevalence per sub-districts ranged from 0 to 11.9%, with New Dormaa recording the highest at 11.9% (CI: 5.7-23.1). Almost 28% (n = 13/46) of the HIV-positive participants reside in districts outside the Sunyani Municipality. Participants with a previous history of syphilis were six times more likely to be HIV positive compared with those with vaginal or urethral discharges (aOR = 6.39, 95% CI: 4.14-9.78), and those with multiple sex partners have three times increased odds of contracting HIV compared with a single partner (aOR = 3.33, 95% CI: 1.16-9.55). Conclusion: The prevalence of HIV in Sunyani municipality was significantly associated with multiple partners and a previous history of syphilis infection.