Factors Associated With Hiv Prevalence In Sunyani Municipality

ABSTRACT Background: The Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana has consistently recorded increase in HIV prevalence over the past 3 years with an average prevalence of 2.7%. Nonetheless, Sunyani the capital of the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana recorded an HIV prevalence of 4.2% far above the National average of 2.4%. In view of that, this study sought to assess factors associated with HIV prevalence in the Sunyani municipality of Ghana. Method: A facility based cross sectional study was conducted in three hospitals in the Sunyani from March to August 2018. A structured questionnaire was used to interview 445 clients accessing HIV counselling and testing services. Simple and Multiple logistic regression methods were used to identify factors associated with HIV prevalence. Results: The mean age of respondents was 30.8±8.5 years. HIV prevalence per sub districts ranged from 0 to 11.9% with New Dormaa recording the highest prevalence of 11.9% (CI: 5.7- 23.1). About 13 (28%) of the HIV positive clients reside in districts outside the Sunyani Municipality. Clients with previous history of syphilis have HIV prevalence 6.39 times odds of being HIV infected compared to those with vaginal or urethral discharges (aOR=6.39, 95% CI: 4.14-9.78). Clients with multiple sex partners are 3.33 more likely to be HIV infected than those with one partner. (aOR=3.33, 95% CI: 1.16-9.55). Conclusion: The prevalence of HIV in the Sunyani Municipality was 10.3% (95% CI: 7.82- 13.54) however 13(28%) of the HIV positive clients reside outside Sunyani Municipal. HIV prevalence was found to be significantly associated with previous history of STI and multiple sexual partners. Recommendation: Ghana Health Service and partners should target and sustain effective prevention interventions such as health education and behavioral change communication. These interventions should target age-specific groups to prevent new infection across all age groups