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Prevalence and Correlates of HIV Infection among Street Boys in Kisumu, Kenya

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  • Ariella Goldblatt
  • Zachary Kwena
  • Maureen Lahiff
  • Kawango Agot
  • Alexandra Minnis
  • Ndola Prata
  • Jessica Lin
  • Elizabeth A Bukusi
  • Colette L Auerswald

Abstract

Introduction: Despite their perceived vulnerability to HIV, East African street youth have been neglected in HIV prevention research. We examined HIV seroprevalence and correlates of HIV infection in a sample of male street youth in Kisumu, Kenya. Methods: We enrolled a street-recruited sample of 13–21 year old street youth. Participants completed a survey followed by voluntary HIV counseling and testing. Survey items included demographics, homelessness history, survival activities, sexual behavior and substance use. We examined the relationship between predictor variables, markers of coercion and marginalization and HIV. Results: The sample included 296 males. Survival activities included garbage picking (55%), helping market vendors (55%), begging (17%), and working as porters (46%) or domestic workers (4%). Forty-nine percent of participants reported at least weekly use of alcohol and 32% marijuana. Forty-six percent of participants reported lifetime inhalation of glue and 8% fuel. Seventy-nine percent of participants reported lifetime vaginal sex, 6% reported lifetime insertive anal sex and 8% reported lifetime receptive anal sex. Twelve (4.1%; 95% CI: 2.3–7.0) participants tested positive for HIV. Of those, all had been on the street for at least one year and all had engaged in vaginal sex. Occupations placing youth at particular risk of coercion by adults, including helping market vendors (prevalence ratio (PR) = 8.8; 95% CI: 1.2–67.5) and working as domestic workers (PR = 4.6; 95% CI: 1.1–19.0), were associated with HIV infection. Both insertive anal sex (PR = 10.2; 95% CI: 3.6–29.4) and receptive anal sex (PR = 3.9; 95% CI: 1.1–13.4) were associated with HIV infection. Drug use, begging, and garbage picking were not associated with HIV infection. Conclusions: Although HIV prevalence in our sample of street youth is comparable to that of similarly-aged male youth in Nyanza Province, our findings highlight behavioral factors associated with HIV infection that offer opportunities for targeted prevention among street youth in East Africa.

Suggested Citation

  • Ariella Goldblatt & Zachary Kwena & Maureen Lahiff & Kawango Agot & Alexandra Minnis & Ndola Prata & Jessica Lin & Elizabeth A Bukusi & Colette L Auerswald, 2015. "Prevalence and Correlates of HIV Infection among Street Boys in Kisumu, Kenya," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(10), pages 1-22, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0140005
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0140005
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kaime-Atterhög, Wanjiku & Ahlberg, Beth Maina, 2008. "Are street children beyond rehabilitation? Understanding the life situation of street boys through ethnographic methods in Nakuru, Kenya," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 30(12), pages 1345-1354, December.
    2. Kaime-Atterhog, Wanjiku & Lindmark, Gunilla & Persson, Lars-Ake & Ahlberg, Beth Maina, 2007. "Burning "Centre Bolt": Experiences of sexually transmitted infections and health care seeking behaviour described by street boys in Urban Kenya," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 29(5), pages 600-617, May.
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    1. Kimathi Robert & Mireku Maryline & Kyongo Jordan & Digolo Lina & Musyoki Helgar & Ikahu Annrita & Mukoma Wanjiru & Otiso Lilian, 0. "Factors influencing access of HIV and sexual and reproductive health services among adolescent key populations in Kenya," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 0, pages 1-8.
    2. Kimathi Robert & Mireku Maryline & Kyongo Jordan & Digolo Lina & Musyoki Helgar & Ikahu Annrita & Mukoma Wanjiru & Otiso Lilian, 2020. "Factors influencing access of HIV and sexual and reproductive health services among adolescent key populations in Kenya," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 65(4), pages 425-432, May.
    3. Embleton, L. & Shah, P. & Gayapersad, A. & Kiptui, R. & Ayuku, D. & Wachira, J. & Apondi, E. & Braitstein, P., 2021. "Recommendations for improving access to healthcare for street-connected children and youth in Kenya: A qualitative study," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 131(C).

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