Factors associated with high HIV infection among adolescents and young adults in Mozambique: Sub-Analysis of Immunization, Malaria and HIV/AIDS Indicators Survey in Mozambique-IMASIDA 2015

Abstract

Background HIV infection is of concern, especially in Eastern and Southern Africa, which contains 54.5% of the total number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the world. In Southern Africa, Mozambique ranks second, with about 2.2 million PLHIV. Adolescents and youth not only have a high prevalence, but also represent priority groups due to their high vulnerability to HIV. We set out to assess factors associated with HIV infection among adolescents and young adults which are priority groups for HIV prevention, due to their increased vulnerability to infection. Methods The 2015 Immunization, Malaria and HIV/AIDS Indicators Survey in Mozambique was used to identify factors associated with HIV infection among 4,247 adolescents and young adult participants aged 15–24 years. In bivariate analyses, these variables were included in multiple logistic regression models that were run separately for men and women. Modeled adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported for variables independently associated with HIV infection. Results In 2015, 295/4,247 (6.9%) of adolescents and young adults were HIV-positive (females, 237/2,427 [9.8%]). Factors associated with HIV-infection in males was being a widower (AOR = 52.69, 95%CI: 2.07-1340.33, p = 0.02). To live in Niassa and Sofala is protective factor. In females were being aged 20–24 years (AOR = 2.06, 95%CI: 1.41-3.00, p < 0.001), being a widow (AOR = 15.59, 95%CI: 3.99–60.77, p < 0.001) or separated (OR = 2.11, 95%CI: 1.09–4.08, p = 0.03), age of first cohabitation below 18 years (AOR = 1.71, 95%1.14–2.59, p = 0.01), residing in Zambézia (AOR = 3.52, 95%CI:1.06–11.65, p = 0.04) and being richer (AOR = 2.20, 95%CI: 1.11–4.36, p = 0.02). Having studied at a higher school is a protective factor (AOR = 0.07, 95%CI:0.01–0.58, p = 0.02). Conclusion and recommendations: The factors associated with HIV in women are biological and sociocultural. Strategies tailored to girls and young women with the aim of reducing gender inequalities, combating harmful traditional practices and increasing educational opportunities are needed.