Prevalence and factors associated with alcohol use disorders among people living with HIV attending care and treatment centers at Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Alcohol use disorders (AUD) are prevalent among people living with HIV (PLHIV), with 2-6 times higher than in the general population. These conditions are linked to increased morbidity and mortality among PLHIV and amplify sexual risk behaviors, thus exacerbating the transmission of HIV. Despite these negative consequences, a paucity of studies have explored this issue in Tanzania. This study aimed to determine AUD's prevalence and associated factors among PLHIV attending Care and Treatment Centers (CTCs).

METHODS

A multifacility-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 532 PLHIV attending four CTC centers in Moshi Municipal, Kilimanjaro. A multistage cluster systematic sampling method was utilized to choose CTCs and participants. Data were collected using standardized tools through interviewer administration. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA (version 16). Binary logistic regression model was used to examine the associations between AUD and the independent variables, with odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals calculated to quantify the strength of these associations.

RESULTS

The mean age of participants was 46.6 years (SD±13.3). The weighted prevalence of alcohol use disorders (AUDIT ≥ 8) within the past 12 months was 28.2%. Factors significantly associated with AUD in the final model included male sex (AOR = 4.18, P <0.001), healthcare level (reference: tertiary health facility; secondary health facility AOR = 1.80, P<0.001, primary health facility AOR = 9.65, P<0.001), being divorced or widowed (AOR = 2.82, P<0.001), secondary education (AOR = 1.35, P = 0.005), and probable depression (AOR = 2.48, P <0.001).

CONCLUSION

The findings revealed a high prevalence of AUD among PLHIV, highlighting the need for policy refinement aimed at enhancing the integration of psychosocial services at CTCs.