Use of AUDIT, and measures of drinking frequency and patterns to detect associations between alcohol and sexual behaviour in male sex workers in Kenya

2011

Alcohol Use and Sexual Behavior in Male Sex Workers in Kenya

Sample size: 442 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Luchters Stanley, Geibel Scott, Syengo Masila, Lango Daniel, King'ola Nzioki, Temmerman Marleen, Chersich Matthew F

Primary Institution: International Centre for Reproductive Health (ICRH), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ghent University, Belgium

Hypothesis

Which alcohol indicator can detect associations between alcohol use and unsafe sexual behavior among male sex workers?

Conclusion

Male sex workers have high levels of hazardous and harmful drinking, and require alcohol-reduction interventions.

Supporting Evidence

About 70% of men reported drinking alcohol, with half drinking two or more times a week.
Binge drinking was common, with 38.9% of participants reporting it.
35% of participants who drink had hazardous drinking according to AUDIT.
Alcohol dependence was associated with inconsistent condom use and higher odds of sexual violence.
Frequent drinking was linked to inconsistent condom use and number of partners.

Takeaway

This study found that many male sex workers in Kenya drink a lot of alcohol, which can lead to unsafe sex and health problems.

Methodology

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2008 with male sex workers from 65 venues in Mombasa, collecting data on demographics, substance use, and sexual behavior.