Behaviour patterns which may predispose to HIV infection or further transmission and possible intervention strategy in the City of Harare. Part II
Moyo, I.M.; Ray, C.S.; Chisvo, D.; Gumbo, N.; Low, A.; Katsumbe, T.M.; Mbengeranwa, O.L.
Central African Journal of Medicine 39(11): 217-221
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0008-9176 PMID: 8055550 Document Number: 406064
HIV transmission is spread in sub-Saharan Africa mainly through heterosexual intercourse, with most infected people in the age group 20-39 years. Findings are reported from a 1989 knowledge, attitudes, and practice study conducted in the city of Harare, Zimbabwe, among 2109 adults undertaken to identify and document behavior patterns which may predispose individuals to HIV infection and possible intervention strategies. The median age for initiating sex was 17 years among single respondents and 18 years for those married. 33.9% of married respondents reported living away from their spouses, 76.6% of singe respondents admitted to engaging in premarital sex, and 15% of all respondents were having casual sex. Only 9.2%, however, reported always using a condom, while 48% of the married respondents who have engaged in casual sexual relationships never use condoms. 16% reported having a sexually transmitted disease in 1989. 10.9% of single respondents and 4.1% of married respondents had been paid for sex. 66% of parents had not talked about AIDS to their children and the main source of information on HIV/AIDS was the radio at 74%. All types of education/prevention campaigns should be encouraged as long as health education messages do not further stigmatize people with HIV or AIDS. The poorly educated and illiterate should be specially targeted.