Intimate Partner Violence among Adolescent Girls and Young Female Sex Workers in Kampala, Uganda

Yunia Mayanja, MRC/UVRI

Adolescents and young people, aged (10-24 years) can be at increased risk of HIV-infection in Uganda because of gender-norms and inequitable sexual relationships. We studied intimate partner violence among young female sex workers (FSWs) in Kampala, Uganda. We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of 1898 participants aged 15-24 years enrolled at a research clinic in Kampala from 2013 to 2018. Factors associated with IPV were analyzed using logistic regression models. Participant mean age was 21 years, 92% engaged in paid sex, 69% had at least one child, HIV prevalence was 21%, 57% were high risk alcohol drinkers and 44% reported IPV. IPV was associated with younger age, high-risk alcohol use, ever being married and inconsistent condom use with paying partners. We need structural interventions to empower younger FSWs, improve condom use and reduce excessive alcohol use. Additional qualitative methods may help us to better understand different contexts of IPV.