Multiple sexual partnerships and associated factors among young psychoactive-substance-users in informal settlements in Kampala, Uganda

Background Multiple sexual partnerships increase the risk of transmission of HIV and can be exacerbated by substance abuse. However, the association between psychoactive substance use and multiple sexual partnerships among young people in informal settlements of low-income countries is not well known. This study established the prevalence of multiple sexual partnerships and associated factors among young psychoactive-substance-users in informal settlements in Kampala, Uganda. Methods This was a cross-sectional study involving 744 young (aged 18-24 years), sexually active, psychoactive substance-users selected from 12 of the 57 informal settlements of Kampala City. The prevalence of multiple sexual partnerships and their differential distribution by socio-demographic strata was established. Modified Poisson regression models were run in Stata 14 software to generate prevalence rate ratios for the factors associated with multiple sexual partnerships. Results About 40.6% (37.9% of males and 50.0% of females) had engaged in multiple sexual partnerships in the last 30 days. Engaging in multiple sexual partnerships in the last 30 days was positively associated with being female (PR 1.29, 95% CI: 1.03-1.63); staying in the informal settlement for 6-10 years (PR 1.34, 95% CI: 1.02-1.75) and chewing khat in the last 30 days (PR 1.93, 95% CI: 1.10-3.40). Conclusion Multiple sexual partnerships are highly prevalent among young psychoactive-substance-users, irrespective of the socio-demographic strata. Being female, having lived in the informal settlement for 6-10 years, and chewing khat were significantly associated with having multiple sexual partners in the last 30 days. In tackling this high-risk sexual behaviour, it is recommended that risk-reduction interventions are considered for the different socio-demographic strata identified in this study, i.e. females, those who have lived in the informal settlement for about 6-10 years, and those who chew khat.