Exploring the relationship between HIV and alcohol use in a remote Namibian mining community

Abstract

In southern Africa, the use of alcohol is increasingly seen as creating a context of risk for HIV transmission. This qualitative study investigates the links between alcohol use and higher-risk sexual behaviours in a remote southern Namibian mining-town community. Using data from six focus groups and 16 in-depth interviews conducted in 2008, the researchers investigated knowledge of the link between alcohol consumption and HIV risk, focusing on the specific mechanisms related to drinking and higher-risk sexual behaviours. Although knowledge regarding HIV and alcohol was high among the mineworkers and other community members, the social structure of a remote mining town appears to lead to high levels of alcohol use and higher-risk sexual behaviours. The heavy use of alcohol acts as an accelerant to these behaviours, including as a source of fortitude for those with an intention to engage in casual sexual partnerships or multiple concurrent partnerships, and as a cause for those behaviours for people who may otherwise intend to avoid them. The findings suggest a need for HIV-prevention programmes that focus more holistically on HIV and AIDS and alcohol use, as well as the need for structural changes to mining-town communities in order to reduce the likelihood of both heavy alcohol use as well as a high prevalence of higher-risk sexual behaviours.

Multi-level experiences and determinants of alcohol misuse and illicit drug use among occupational groups at high-risk of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa: A thematic synthesis of qualitative findings

“…20 1 (Erinosho et al, 2012) -Gendered patterns of substance use Studies reported that experiences with drug and alcohol use for women-centered more on the personal and emotional aspects of drug-related experiences while men's experiences focused more on external factors such as socialisation and financial gain from sale of drugs. For example, in the mining sector, men employed in lower-ranking jobs often drank together in groups without interference from their family members whom they were often separated from, and to foster their group identity (Lightfoot, Maree, & Ananias, 2009). Similarly, in fishing communities, fishermen collectively used drugs and alcohol to cope with work-related stress (Sileo et al, 2016).…”

How does the mining industry contribute to sexual and reproductive health in developing countries? A narrative synthesis of current evidence to inform practice

“…, Lightfoot et al . ). As a consequence, the prevalence of HIV and STIs has often been found to be higher in the mining sector than in the general population (Seguy et al .…”

“…Paying for sex and having multiple partners are common among men in mining communities (Desmond et al 2005). Sexually transmitted infection and HIV risk factors for men in mining areas are well documented and include never using condoms with female sex workers or partners and drug and alcohol use (Xu et al 2008, Lightfoot et al 2009). As a consequence, the prevalence of HIV and STIs has often been found to be higher in the mining sector than in the general population (Seguy et al 2008, Zhang et al 2010.…”

A comparison of quality of life between HIV positive and negative diamond miners in South Africa

“…Three studies examined this link in other African countries (Desmond et al 2005; Kis 2007; Lightfoot, Maree & Ananias 2009), and outside of Africa there have been a further three studies (Faas, Rodriguez-Acosta & Echeverria de Perez 1999; Linhares & Mello 1989; Zhang et al 2007). However, literature searches did not reveal any study which linked those two issues (mining and HIV) together with measures of the quality of life of miners or members of their communities.…”