Multicity HIV seroprevalence in street youth, Ukraine.
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.
Robbins
C L
CL
Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA. clrobbins@cdc.gov
Zapata
L
L
Kissin
D M
DM
Shevchenko
N
N
Yorick
R
R
Skipalska
H
H
Finnerty
E
E
Ornstein
T
T
Marchbanks
P A
PA
Jamieson
D J
DJ
Hillis
S D
SD
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