Multicity HIV seroprevalence in street youth, Ukraine

• Published in: International journal of STD & AIDS Vol. 21; no. 7; p. 489
• Main Authors: Robbins, C L, Zapata, L, Kissin, D M, Shevchenko, N, Yorick, R, Skipalska, H, Finnerty, E, Ornstein, T, Marchbanks, P A, Jamieson, D J, Hillis, S D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.07.2010
• Subjects: Adolescent; Female; HIV Infections - epidemiology; HIV Seroprevalence; Homeless Youth; Humans; Male; Risk Factors; Sexual Behavior - statistics & numerical data; Substance-Related Disorders - complications; Ukraine - epidemiology; Young Adult; Ukraine
• ISSN: 1758-1052
• DOI: 10.1258/ijsa.2010.010097

We conducted the first systematic, community-based, multicity assessment outside the USA of HIV seroprevalence, risk factors and linkage into clinical services among 929 street youth. After city-wide mapping, we used time-location sampling and randomly selected 74 venues in Odesa, Kyiv and Donetsk, Ukraine. Rapid HIV testing with post-test counselling was offered to all eligible youths aged 15-24 years. Overall, 18.4% (95% confidence interval 16.2-20.2) were HIV positive and 85% had previously unknown status. Rates were identical by sex. Subgroups with highest rates included orphans (26%), youths with histories of exchanging sex (35%), sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (37%), injection drug use (IDU) (42%) and needle sharing (49%). Independent predictors, similar across age groups and city, included being orphaned, time on the street, history of anal sex, STIs, exchanging sex, any drug use, IDU and needle sharing. Two-thirds (68%) of HIV-positive youths were linked to services. This high-risk population has many immediate needs.