Risk behaviors for HIV infection: their occurrence and determinants in Jima-Town, southwestern Ethiopia

Little is known about the occurrence of high risk behaviours for HIV infection among the general population of Ethiopia. With this in mind, 495 randomly selected males between 15 and 49 years of age were questioned about specific risk behaviours. From this interview a total and sex risk behaviour score were calculated and then analysed for their association with sociodemographic factors and knowledge and attitudes about AIDS. This investigation was carried out in the fall of of 1988 in Jima-Town, southwestern Ethiopia. Several high risk behaviours were found to be highly prevalent; 47.2% reported a history of sex with prostitutes (18% in the past month), and 39% reported receiving injections in the past year. Higher risk scores were significantly associated with high knowledge about AIDS and among skilled labourers and those between 25 to 34 years of age.