Epidemiology of Alcohol Misuse and Illicit Drug Use Among Young People Aged 15–24 Years in Fishing Communities in Uganda

Monica O. Kuteesa, Helen A. Weiss, Sarah Cook, Janet Seeley, Josephine N. Ssentongo, Robert Kizindo, Paul Ngonzi, Moses Sewankambo and Emily L. Webb
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Monica O. Kuteesa: MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe 49, Uganda
Helen A. Weiss: Medical Research Council Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC 1E, UK
Sarah Cook: Department of Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC 1E, UK
Janet Seeley: MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe 49, Uganda
Josephine N. Ssentongo: MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe 49, Uganda
Robert Kizindo: MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe 49, Uganda
Paul Ngonzi: MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe 49, Uganda
Moses Sewankambo: MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe 49, Uganda
Emily L. Webb: Medical Research Council Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC 1E, UK

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 7, 1-21

Abstract: Background: We determined the prevalence of and risk factors for alcohol misuse and illicit drug use among young Ugandans in fishing communities, a recognised “key population” for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among young people (15–24 years) in fishing communities in Koome, Uganda, in December 2017–July 2018. Using Audio-Assisted Self-Interviewing, we collected data on socio-demographic characteristics and alcohol use, including the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and timeline follow-back calendar (TLFB). Blood samples were analysed for HIV, herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV2), and Phosphatidyl ethanol (PEth 16:0/18:1). Urine samples were analysed for illicit drugs. Results: Among 1281 participants (52.7% male, mean age 20 years), 659 (51.4%) reported ever drinking alcohol, 248 (19.4%) had 12-month-AUDIT ≥ 8, and 261 (20.5%) had whole-blood PEth 16:0/18:1 concentration ≥ 20 ng/mL, indicating significant consumption. In multivariable analyses, PEth 16:0/18:1 ≥ 20ng/mL, AUDIT ≥ 8 and binge drinking (≥6 standard drinks per drinking occasion in the previous month from TLFB) were all strongly associated with older age, low education, smoking, and HSV2. Illicit drug use prevalence was 5.2% and was associated with older age, low education, being single, and smoking. Conclusion: Levels of alcohol misuse were high among young people in fishing communities and associated with HSV2, a proxy for risky sexual behaviour. Alcohol and illicit drug harm reduction services and HIV prevention programs in Uganda should prioritise young fisherfolk.

Keywords: alcohol; drugs; substance use; fisherfolk; adolescents; survey; Sub-Saharan Africa (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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