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Objectives To determine the seroprevalence of HIV, STI and related risks among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Dodoma municipality, Tanzania. Methods A cross-sectional study using respondent-driven sampling was employed to recruit study participants aged 18 years and above. Data on sociodemographics, HIV/STI knowledge and sexual practices were collected. Blood samples were tested for HIV and selected STIs. Results A total of 409 participants aged from 18 to 60 years took part in this study. The median age at first anal intercourse was 15 years. At last anal intercourse, 37.5% practiced receptive, 47.5% insertive and 15.0% both insertive and receptive anal intercourse. The seroprevalence of HIV, herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), syphilis, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus were 17.4%, 38.5%, 0.2%, 5.4% and 3.4%, respectively. A third of MSM perceived their risk for HIV to be low and this was associated with unprotected sex (adjusted OR (AOR), 4.8, 95% CI 1.8 to 10.2). HIV seropositivity was also associated with HSV-2 (AOR, 5.0, 95% CI 3.01 to 11.21); having lived outside Dodoma (AOR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1 to 6.7); age above 25 years; (AOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.7 to 3.7); sexual relationship with a woman (AOR 5.6, 95% CI 3.9 to 12.8); assuming a receptive (AOR 7.1, 95% CI 4.8 to 17.4) or receptive and insertive (AOR 4.5, 95% CI 1.9 to 11.4) position during last anal intercourse; engaging in group sex (AOR 3.1, 95% CI 1.2 to 6.1) and the use of alcohol (AOR 3.9, 95% CI 1.1 to 9.2). Conclusions HIV prevalence among MSM is five times higher compared with men in the general population in Dodoma. Perceived risk for HIV infection was generally low and low risk perception was associated with unprotected sex. STI, bisexuality and other behavioural risk factors played an important part in HIV transmission. The findings underscore the need for intensified HIV prevention programming addressing and involving key populations in Tanzania.

Background In Tanzania, adult HIV prevalence is estimated at 5.8% and 9.3% in Dar es Salaam, well above the level of a generalised epidemic. Nonetheless, HIV infection and a constellation of associated factors are disproportionately borne by marginalised groups within the country. Female sex workers (FSW) are one such group; however, little is known about them in Tanzania. Method Respondent-driven sampling was used to recruit self-identified FSWs aged 15+ years, living in Dar es Salaam, who reported exchanging sexual intercourse for money in the past month. FSWs were interviewed about their social circumstances, STI risk behaviours and tested for HIV, Hepatitis B, C and other STIs. Point estimates and 95% CI were adjusted for social network size and recruitment patterns using RDSAT. Results From April to August 2010, 537 FSWs were recruited. Their median age was 29 years (range 15–63). Two FSWs (0.6% 95% CI: 0% to 1.7%) were Conclusion FSWs of Dar es Salaam have many-fold higher prevalence of HIV than the general population, with variable levels of other STIs. Their health situation calls for multifaceted services and structural interventions beyond HIV education and condom promotion. Preventive, care and treatment and personal level empowerment strategies are desperately needed among FSWs in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Background Findings from studies done by McCurdy et al. have indicated that HIV prevalence may be as high as 42% among PWID in Dar es Salaam. Studies of PWID have also suggested overlaps between FSW and PWID populations. We investigated a Dar es Salaam FSW population to better understand possible linkages between these populations. Method We conducted a cross-sectional study of FSW in 2010 using respondent-driven sampling (RDS). Participants completed questionnaires on socio-demographic variables, sexual and other risk behaviours; and had HIV testing. We used descriptive weighted statistics and logistic regression analysis to explore associations with HIV. Results Among 537 FSW enrolled, 518 were tested for HIV giving 31.4% (95% CI: 25.6, 38.5) prevalence overall. In bivariate analysis, HIV prevalence was higher among FSW who suspected that partners injected drugs, 46.9% (95% CI: 31.5, 64.1) as compared to FSW who did not suspected that partners injected drugs 23.2% (95% CI: 16.5, 29.4). FSW rarely reported using drugs themselves 1.3% (95% CI: 0.3, 2.7), but often suspected their partners were PWID (49.1%; 95% CI: 43.8, 55.5). In a multivariate model, adjusting for demographic and behavioural characteristics, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of HIV infection among women who suspected that their partners injected drugs was 2.41 95% CI: 1.22, 4.80; (1.4 times greater) and was 0.08 times higher per additional year of sex work (AOR 1.08 95% CI: 1.03, 1.1). Conclusion These findings provide supportive evidence of the connexion between FSW and PWID populations in Dar es Salaam. Considering these apparent connexions between PWID and FSW, we encourage programmes working with these two key populations to work together to achieve enhanced prevention outcomes.