Makumbi F, Byabagambi J, Muwanika R, Kigozi G, Gray R, Galukande M, Bagaya B, Ssebagala D, Karamagi E, Rahimzai M, Kaggwa M, Watya S, Mbonye AK, Aceng JR, Musinguzi J, Kiggundu V, Njeuhmeli E, Nanteza B.
PLoS One. 2018;13(12):e0209167.
Abstract
Background:
Age-disparate relationships are associated with increased HIV prevalence. We determined whether the frequency of age-disparate relationships in never married women changed over time and whether they are associated with HIV prevalence in Rakai, Uganda.
Methods:
A total of 10,061 never married women, aged 15-49 years, in the Rakai Community Cohort Study provided information on the age of their male sexual partners from 1997 to 2013. Logistic regression was used to assess trends in age-disparate relationships (≥5 years) between never married women and their male partners. Log-binomial regression was used to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (adjPR) of HIV prevalence associated with age-disparate relationships.
Results:
Two thousand nine hundred ninety-nine women (30%) had a male partner ≥5 years older, which remained stable over time. The prevalence of HIV among women in age-disparate relationships was 14%, 10% for women in relationships with men 0-4 years older (adjPR 1.36, 95% confidence interval: 1.22 to 1.53) not controlling women's age; however, after age adjustment, the impact of age-disparate relationships on HIV prevalence was attenuated. Age-disparate relationships were associated with increased HIV prevalence among women aged 15-17 years (adjPR 1.83, 95% confidence interval: 1.10 to 3.17), but not in other age groups.
Conclusions:
The frequency of age-disparate relationships among never married women was unchanged over a 15-year period in Rakai, Uganda. Age-disparate relationships were associated with increased HIV prevalence among adolescents aged 15-17 years, but not older women.