ABSTRACT
Introduction: there is limited data on HIV burden and access to services among adolescents/youths in fishing communities in Uganda.Kasensero fishing community has an HIV prevalence of 41.0% and incidence of 3.9 per 100 person years. We assessed the burden of HIV and uptake of services among adolescents in Kasensero.Methods: we analyzed data collected between 2013-2014 among youths aged 15-24 in the Rakai Community Cohort Study. Social demographic, behavioral and risk characteristics were collected and blood taken for HIV diagnosis using rapid and enzyme-immunoassay (EIA) tests. Adolescents' characteristics in Kasensero were compared with those in two neighboring communities 4 and 12 kilometers apart. HIV prevalence and uptake of services was compared between communities using Chi square. Data was analyzed using Stata version 12.Results: of the 789 youth interviewed 155 (19.7%) were HIV positive. HIV prevalence was higher among females than males 112/431(26.0%) vs 43/358(12.0%)) and was highest in Kasensero fishing community (25.1%) than neighboring communities (11.0% an -d 3.9%). HIV prevalence among females in Kasensero was 34.7% compared to 8.7% and 4.7% in the neighboring communities (P < 0.001). Youths in Kasensero were more likely to be married or separated, 81.5% compared to 75.2% and 52.0% for females, and 42.0% compared to 25.9% and 11.4% for males. HIV prevalence was highest among youths who were bar-workers (64.3%), do housework in own home (36.9%), and trading and vending (43.0%). Consistent condom use was practiced by only 3.4% of the youths (6.4% Male; 1.3% Female). Only 27.7% of HIV positive females and 7.0% of males were on ART, and 44.8% of non-Muslim males were circumcised.Conclusion: HIV burden among youths in fishing communities is high especially among females yet uptake of prevention and care services is poor despite availability. There is need to provide youth friendly services in these MARPs