Determinants of sexually transmitted infections among adolescent girls and young women in artisanal and small-scale mining communities of Uganda

The results highlight the urgent need to respond to the high prevalence of self reported STIs among AGYW in ASM. The risk factors constitute multiple and intersecting vulnerabilities that require both preventive and curative interventions targeting female and male ASM workers and host communities, with emphasis on behavioral change and promotion of viable alternative sources of income. The ministries of Health, Gender, Labour and Social Development and key development partners should adopt a multi sectoral approach that effectively engages key stakeholders, including mining host communities, given the close interrelations between gender, health and economic aspects of the AGYW's lives.