Sociodemographic Context of the AIDS Epidemic in a Rural Area in Tanzania with a Focus on People’s Mobility and Marriage

Citation

Boerma, J. Ties; Urassa, Mark; Nnko, Soori; Ng'weshemi, Japheth Z. L.; Isingo, Raphael; Zaba, Basia W.; & Mwaluko, Gabriel (2002). Sociodemographic Context of the AIDS Epidemic in a Rural Area in Tanzania with a Focus on People's Mobility and Marriage. Sexually Transmitted Infections, 78(Suppl. 1), i97-105. PMCID: PMC1765836

Abstract

This analysis focuses on how sociocultural and economic characteristics of a poor semi-urban and rural population (Kisesa ward) in north west Tanzania may directly and indirectly affect the epidemiology of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI). Poverty and sociocultural changes may contribute to the observed high levels of marital instability and high levels of short and long term migration in Kisesa, especially among younger adults. Marriage and migration patterns are important underlying factors affecting the spread of HIV. The most cost-effective intervention strategy may be to focus on the trading centre in which mobility is higher, bars were more common, and HIV prevalence and incidence were considerably higher than in the nearby rural villages. If resources suffice, additional work can be undertaken in the rural villages, although it is not clear to what extent the rural epidemic would be self sustaining if the interventions in the trading centre were effective.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/sti.78.suppl_1.i97

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year Published

2002

Journal Title

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Author(s)

Boerma, J. Ties
Urassa, Mark
Nnko, Soori
Ng'weshemi, Japheth Z. L.
Isingo, Raphael
Zaba, Basia W.
Mwaluko, Gabriel

PMCID

PMC1765836