Factors associated with sexual risk for HIV among women in Russia

Abstract

Background: The HIV epidemic is a major health concern worldwide. In Russia, HIV transmission is increasingly affecting young women in the general population. This study is aimed at identifying cultural influences and gender-specific HIV transmission risk factors associated with high risk in women in the general population. Method: Women at high risk for HIV were identified among a clinical trial study participants recruited at OB/GYN clinics in St. Petersburg, Russia. A total of 363 participants completed an HIV risk survey and women at higher HIV transmission risk were identified (N=51). The HIV risk criterion was based on the following: multiple sexual partners combined with inconsistent condom use or sexually transmitted infections and no HIV testing in the last 12 months. The risk groups were compared on multiple variables, including alcohol use and partners’ risk factors. Findings: The risk group reported higher alcohol use problems compared to the lower risk group. In both groups, alcohol use prior to sex by women and their partners was correlated with risky sexual behaviors, such as a higher number of casual sexual partners and inconsistent condom use. Discussion: There is a complex set of factors that put Russian women at risk for HIV, including alcohol consumption and risky sexual behaviors. The study was supported by research grants R01AA016234 from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)/Fogarty International Center and the U.S. - Russia Collaborative HIV/AIDS Research Initiative, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA, Supplement 3R01AA016234-05S1 and the Russian Foundation for Basic Research12-06-91444.