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Epidemiology of Alcohol Misuse and Illicit Drug Use Among Young People Aged 15–24 Years in Fishing Communities in Uganda

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  • Monica O. Kuteesa

    (MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe 49, Uganda
    Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC 1E, UK)

  • Helen A. Weiss

    (Medical Research Council Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC 1E, UK)

  • Sarah Cook

    (Department of Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC 1E, UK)

  • Janet Seeley

    (MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe 49, Uganda
    Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC 1E, UK)

  • Josephine N. Ssentongo

    (MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe 49, Uganda)

  • Robert Kizindo

    (MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe 49, Uganda)

  • Paul Ngonzi

    (MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe 49, Uganda)

  • Moses Sewankambo

    (MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe 49, Uganda)

  • Emily L. Webb

    (Medical Research Council Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC 1E, UK)

Abstract

Background: We determined the prevalence of and risk factors for alcohol misuse and illicit drug use among young Ugandans in fishing communities, a recognised “key population” for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among young people (15–24 years) in fishing communities in Koome, Uganda, in December 2017–July 2018. Using Audio-Assisted Self-Interviewing, we collected data on socio-demographic characteristics and alcohol use, including the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and timeline follow-back calendar (TLFB). Blood samples were analysed for HIV, herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV2), and Phosphatidyl ethanol (PEth 16:0/18:1). Urine samples were analysed for illicit drugs. Results: Among 1281 participants (52.7% male, mean age 20 years), 659 (51.4%) reported ever drinking alcohol, 248 (19.4%) had 12-month-AUDIT ≥ 8, and 261 (20.5%) had whole-blood PEth 16:0/18:1 concentration ≥ 20 ng/mL, indicating significant consumption. In multivariable analyses, PEth 16:0/18:1 ≥ 20ng/mL, AUDIT ≥ 8 and binge drinking (≥6 standard drinks per drinking occasion in the previous month from TLFB) were all strongly associated with older age, low education, smoking, and HSV2. Illicit drug use prevalence was 5.2% and was associated with older age, low education, being single, and smoking. Conclusion: Levels of alcohol misuse were high among young people in fishing communities and associated with HSV2, a proxy for risky sexual behaviour. Alcohol and illicit drug harm reduction services and HIV prevention programs in Uganda should prioritise young fisherfolk.

Suggested Citation

  • Monica O. Kuteesa & Helen A. Weiss & Sarah Cook & Janet Seeley & Josephine N. Ssentongo & Robert Kizindo & Paul Ngonzi & Moses Sewankambo & Emily L. Webb, 2020. "Epidemiology of Alcohol Misuse and Illicit Drug Use Among Young People Aged 15–24 Years in Fishing Communities in Uganda," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-21, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:7:p:2401-:d:339979
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Joel M Francis & Helen A Weiss & Gerry Mshana & Kathy Baisley & Heiner Grosskurth & Saidi H Kapiga, 2015. "The Epidemiology of Alcohol Use and Alcohol Use Disorders among Young People in Northern Tanzania," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(10), pages 1-17, October.
    2. Helen A. Weiss & Judith Vandepitte & Justine N. Bukenya & Yunia Mayanja & Susan Nakubulwa & Anatoli Kamali & Janet Seeley & Heiner Grosskurth, 2016. "High Levels of Persistent Problem Drinking in Women at High Risk for HIV in Kampala, Uganda: A Prospective Cohort Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-15, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Yunia Mayanja & Onesmus Kamacooko & Daniel Bagiire & Gertrude Namale & Janet Seeley, 2020. "Epidemiological Findings of Alcohol Misuse and Dependence Symptoms among Adolescent Girls and Young Women Involved in High-Risk Sexual Behavior in Kampala, Uganda," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-13, August.
    2. Jincong Yu & Qingfeng Wu & Yuqin Wu & Jiang Li & Qinxuan Wu & Huiping Cao & Zengzhen Wang, 2021. "Prevalence of and Factors Associated with Club Drug Use among Secondary Vocational Students in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-11, October.

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