Objective:

We examined the role played by four psychosocial conditions: forced sex, early sexual initiation, and misuse of alcohol and illicit drugs on the risk of HIV and sexually transmitted infections in Cali-Colombia between 2013 and 2015.

Methods:

Using data from an HIV counseling and testing campaign in Cali, Colombia, we tested the effect of the accumulation and interactions of the four psychosocial conditions on both outcomes.

Results:

A total of 604 participants were representative subjects from key affected communities: men who have sex with men, transgender women and female sex workers. A total of 733 participants were heterosexual women and men. Only drug abuse was associated with HIV positivity (Prevalence ratio=2.3, CI 95%: 1.3-4.1), while all psychosocial conditions were associated with sexually transmitted infection history. The accumulation of the syndemic conditions was related to a higher likelihood of sexually transmitted infection history. None of the interactions tested was significant.

Conclusions:

Our findings highlight the importance of comprehensive mental health interventions in addressing HIV epidemics in Colombia.

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