HIV and sexually transmitted infections among women presenting at urban primary health care clinics in two cities of sub-Saharan Africa.

In a cross-sectional study, 786 consenting women from two cities in Africa, Harare and Moshi, attending primary health care clinics were interviewed, examined and tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The aim of the study was to assess and compare differences in the characteristics that may affect the prevalence of HIV/STIs among women in the two cities. Multivariate analysis was used to generate odds ratio. STIs and behaviour characteristics among this low risk group of women could not fully explain the higher HIV prevalence in Zimbabwe, 29.3% compared to 11.5% in Tanzania (p < 0.01). Interventions should target identified risk factors with particular attention to youths.