title: Multicity HIV seroprevalence in street youth, Ukraine.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA. clrobbins@cdc.gov
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Robbins
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zapata
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Kissin
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Shevchenko
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Yorick
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Skipalska
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Finnerty
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ornstein
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Marchbanks
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Jamieson
authors.forename: S D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Hillis
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015528:HIV Seroprevalence; D018453:Homeless Youth; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications; D014455:Ukraine / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult