Knowledge and Practices Related to HIV/AIDS Infection among Youths in Mining Areas of Central Tanzania: A Case of Londoni and Winza Mining Areas

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) including HIV/AIDS are among the major Sexual and Reproductive Health problems facing Sub-Saharan Africa countries. Most of the new HIV/AIDS infections are concentrated among youths. Mining areas are among the risky area with regard to the infection. This study was carried out in 2 mining areas of Central Tanzania viz. Londoni in Manyoni District and Winza in Mpwapwa District to assess knowledge and practices related to HIV/AIDS among youths with the aim of providing information that could help in curbing the problem among youths in a study population. Specific objectives of the study were to determine proportion of youths with comprehensive knowledge on HIV/AIDS; determining prevalence of high risk sexual behaviors among youths, as well as identification of correlates of high risk sexual behaviors among youths in a study population. This was a cross-sectional study that involved a random sample 202 youths aged between 15-24 years with equal number of respondents from each mining area. Data were analyzed for descriptive statistics using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16. The software was also used for running Binary Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis for identification of factors associated with high risk sexual behaviors among youths in a study population. Results of this study indicated that although majority of youths were aware of HIV/AIDS, however, a considerable proportion of them (41%) lacked a comprehensive knowledge on the infection. Results of the present study also indicate risky sexual behaviors among youths in a study population existed at substantial rate. On overall, based on sexual experience (If ever had sex), number of sexual partner and condom use in last 12 months before survey, as well as marital/ union status, nearly one-third of total respondents (32%), a considerable proportion, were engaged in high risk sexual behaviours and hence vulnerable to HIV infection. Chances (Odds) for engaging in high risk sexual behaviors by youths increased significantly with lack of comprehensive knowledge on HIV/AIDS (OR = 1.95; 95% CI, 1.24-3.07) and being male (OR = 3.79, 95% CI, 3.42-4.06) decreased significantly with having secondary education and above (OR = 0.74, 95% CI, 0.67-0.82); increased significantly with being from distant areas/villages (OR = 1.43, 95% CI, 1.18-1.75) and being from Mpwapwa mining area (OR = 1.86, 95% CI, 1.39-2.48). The Likelihood also increased significantly with main activity in mining area being mining (OR = 3.21; 95% CI, 1.93-5.37), bar/hotel maid (OR = 4.18; 95% CI, 3.07-5.70) and just roaming (no occupation) (OR = 2.30; 95% CI, 1.43-3.67); increased significantly with having close friends that are sexually active (OR = 1.71, 95% CI, 1.31-2.25), if use alcohol (OR = 2.80; 95% CI, 1.50-5.26) and if ever received money or material gift in exchange for sex in last 12 prior to survey (i.e., engagement in transactional sex) (OR = 4.67; 95% CI, 3.29-6.62). Based on these findings recommendations to control the spread of the infection among youths in the study population have been indicated.