Assessing high-risk sexual practices associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection among young female sex workers in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Young female sex workers (YFSWs) face a higher risk of HIV infection compared to older workers, but there is a lack of comprehensive data on their sexual practices and HIV infection risks, which may present unique challenges and vulnerabilities. The study aimed to identify high-risk sexual practices associated with HIV infection among YFSWs in Lubumbashi.

METHODS

We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study and used a comprehensive sample of all YFSWs who presented to the HIV/Sexually Transmitted Infections Screening and Treatment Center in Lubumbashi between April 2016 and December 2017. We collected data on socio-demographic characteristics and behavioral risk factors of female sex workers were collected using a structured questionnaire. Using STATA version 16, multivariate logistic regression was fitted and the results were presented as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

RESULTS

A total of 572 YFSWs were included in the study, 19 of whom were HIV-positive (3.3%; 95% CI: 2.1-5.1%). Participants who were forced to have sex (aOR = 12.2; 95% CI: 3.2-46.4; p < 0.0001), those who did not use condoms systematically (aOR = 4.1; 95% CI: 1.3-13.0; p = 0.018), and those who had anal sex (aOR = 23.8; 95% CI: 6.9-82.4; p < 0.0001) were more likely to be HIV-positive.

CONCLUSION

The study reveals a concerning trend of higher hospital HIV prevalence among YFSWs compared to the general Congolese population. It also highlights a significant link between high-risk sexual practices and HIV infection, highlighting the need for urgent interventions.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Diabetes Mellitus Among Newly Enrolled Tuberculosis Patients in Lubumbashi (DRC)

Background

Tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus are major public health challenges worldwide. The two scourges have bidirectional relationship with high morbidity and mortality.

Objective

The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and identify related factors in patients with tuberculosis.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 11 tuberculosis screening and treatment centers in Lubumbashi (DRC) from September to December 2022. Adult patient with a positive smear for tuberculosis were systematically screened for diabetes mellitus. Demographic characteristics, history and symptomatology were the variables of interest. Data was entered using Microsoft Excel software. STATA 16 software was used for analysis.

Results

A total of 255 tuberculosis patients were recruited and the prevalence of diabetes mellitus among these patients was 11.4% (ie, 29 out of 255). After uni and multivariate logistic regression, a BMI ≤ 18.5 Kg/m2, lack of employment, polyuria and intense thirst were the factors associated with diabetes mellitus in tuberculosis patients.

Conclusion

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in smear positive tuberculosis patients in the present study was higher than the one observed in Central Africa.

Health Care Providers' Knowledge of Tuberculosis and Diabetes Mellitus Comorbidity in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Background

Tuberculosis-Diabetes mellitus (TB-DM) co-morbidity is a growing scourge in the world. The new approaches and interventions for TB control implemented by the Tuberculosis National Control Program (TNCP) in DRC require the involvement of health care providers for their success.

Objective

The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge of health care provider on different aspects of the management of TB-DM co-morbidity and to compare this knowledge according to the health care system, the type of providers and the number of years of experience.

Methods

Cross-sectional and analytic study was conducted in 11 health care facilities in the Lubumbashi Health District, selected by reasoned choice, and an electronic questionnaire was administered to health care providers. These providers were interviewed on the different aspects of the management of the TB-DM comorbidity. The data were presented and compared in relation to knowledge about TB, DM, and TB-DM comorbidity.

Results

A total of 113 providers were interviewed, predominantly males and physicians. Questions related to knowledge about DM were better answered. Doctors compared to paramedics; tertiary-level providers compared to secondary-level providers had better responses to the different questions. There is a statistically significant correlation between the level of knowledge of TB, DM and the type of health care provider, the number of years of experience.

Conclusion

The present study shows that there are gaps in the knowledge of our health care providers and community members on the recommendations of the DRC TB guidelines (Programme AntiTuberculeux Intégré 5: PATI 5) in general and on the management of TB-DM. It is therefore important and necessary to put in place strategies to improve this level of knowledge, which will focus on the extension of the guidelines, the awareness and the training of the stakeholders involved in the control.

Prevalence and characteristics of HIV infection among female sex workers in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo

Introduction

female sex workers (FSWs) are considered a high-risk group for acquiring HIV infection due to their HIV prevalence estimated to be 10-20 times higher than in woman in the general population. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of HIV among female sex workers (FSWs) in Lubumbashi.

Methods

a cross-sectional study was conducted among FSWs presenting for the first time at the sexually transmitted infections (STIs) clinic of Katuba, Lubumbashi, between April 2016 and December 2017. Information on the participants´ socio-demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, and HIV serology results were collated and analyzed using a multiple logistic regression to identify factors associated to HIV infection among FSWs.

Results

information on 1555 sex workers was analysed in this study, the prevalence of HIV was 8.2%. The median age of the participants was 26 years (IQR: 21-34). Of the 127 HIV positive sex workers, 74% have been in the business for two years or less, 97% sell sex as their main income, 74% have more than 5 sexual intercourses per week, 95% reported using condom, 73% reported having history of STIs, 70% reported using alcohol before sex and 97% reported having three or more sexual partners per week. After adjusting for potentials cofounders, Age, Sex work as main income, years of selling sex, condom use, and alcohol use before sex were found to have a significant effect on HIV infection among sex workers.

Conclusion

these findings highlight the vulnerability of FSWs to HIV infection and the necessity of immediate interventions to strengthen HIV prevention through behavioral change strategies and making available Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for FSWs in Lubumbashi.

A cross-sectional study on obesity and related risk factors among women of the central market of Lusonga in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo

Introduction

Obesity is known as one of adjuvant factors for increase in non-communiable diseases (NCDs). The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of obesity and identify its risk factors among women of the central market of Lusonga in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Methods

In October 2014, we interviewed a total of 430 women selling in the central market of Lusonga in Lubumbashi. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, health-related habits and behaviors, diet, physical activity, chronic diseases, blood pressure and anthropometric measurements were collected. A multivariate logistic regression model was fitted.

Results

Prevalence of overweight and obesity was 16.51% and 13.26% respectively. The logistic regression did not show any significant association between age and obesity. Risk of obesity was lower in married women (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.23 (0.08-0.63)). Women with low educational profile (primary school or less) were more likely to be obese than those with higher education (secondary or high school) (aOR = 2.50 (1.12-5.63)). Risk of obesity increased with living in urban area (aOR = 2.52 (1.00-6.36)), use of oral birth control pills (aOR = 11.07 (3.52-34.83)) and low consumption of fruit (aOR = 5.47 (1.88-15.92)) and vegetable (aOR = 2.42 (1.05-5.56)). Obese women were more likely to be hypertensive than non-obese (aOR = 7.15 (2.46-20.75)) and diabetics (aOR = 3.62 (1.62-8.11)).

Conclusion

This study has reported a prevalence of 13.26% of obesity among women selling at Lusonga's market. Marital status, education level, residence, use of oral birth control pills and consumption of fruit and vegetables had a significant association with the prevalence of obesity in this category of women.