Metrics details. However, HIV-positive cases have been increasing recently in Mauritius. We conducted a cross-sectional survey in January to assess the prevalence of HIVrelated sexual behaviors and their correlates among young people aged 15—24 years in Mauritius.
We identified participants using two-stage cluster sampling. The prevalence of sexual behaviors was described in relation to gender, and the correlates of ever having had sex and nonuse of condom at last sex were analyzed using logistic regression. In the target population, Of the currently sexually active participants, Logistic regression revealed that work experience and marijuana use were significantly associated with men's sexual experience, whereas being out of school and drinking experience were significantly associated with women's sexual experience.
Young people in Mauritius are at risk of a future HIV epidemic because behaviors predisposing to HIV infection are prevalent among sexually experienced youth. A focused prevention program targeting young people should be reinforced as part of the National AIDS Control Program, taking into account the predictors of sexual behaviors identified here. Peer Review reports. Mauritius is an island country with a population of 1. The country is noted for its current rapid economic growth and the cultural diversity of its inhabitants, who came from Asia, Africa, and Europe.
The peak age of reported cases up to was 25—39 years for men and 20—29 years for women. In addition, Mauritius hosts more than , tourists annually, mainly from Europe, South Africa, and India, where HIV epidemics are more pronounced than in Mauritius. Growing number of people from overseas is causing concerns about a potential HIV epidemic in Mauritius.
Although more cases were reported among those aged 25—39 for men and 20—29 for women, actual disease contraction must have occurred when these people were younger because people are typically unaware of their infection for several years.
