Lindan C, Allen S, Nsengumuremyi F, Black D, Schwalbe J, Levy J, Hulley S; International Conference on AIDS.

Int Conf AIDS. 1990 Jun 20-23; 6: 256 (abstract no. S.C.669).

UCSF Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS), San Francisco, California, USA

OBJECTIVE: To determine variables associated with behaviour change and condom/spermicide use among women who received AIDS education and HIV testing in Kigali, Rwanda. METHOD: A representative sample of 1469 childbearing women was enrolled in a prospective study of HIV infection and behaviour change in 1988. Women completed a questionnaire, saw an educational video in the local language followed by a group discussion, underwent HIV testing and counseling and were offered condoms (recommended) and/or spermicides. Education and HIV testing were also offered to the women's sexual partners. RESULTS: Prior to the study, 9% of women had tried condoms and/or spermicides, and 3% had reduced their number of sex partners due to the threat of AIDS. At 6 months, 443/1298 (34%) who came in for followup claimed they were having safer sex in response to information given in the project: 21% of 1298 were using condoms, 16% were using spermicides, 2% had fewer sex partners. Women whose partners came in to be tested, women who were HIV+, or who had multiple or promiscuous partners were more likely to practice safer sex. However, women in less socially stable partner relationships more frequently chose spermicides over condoms, while women in more stable relationships more frequently chose condoms. Women rated the video and HIV testing for themselves and partners as the two most important factors convincing them to change behaviour. CONCLUSION: HIV testing and education are important in promoting safer sex behaviours among African women. However, the relationship of women to their partners also influences their ability to change behaviour. Intervention efforts, therefore, must also target men.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• Condoms
• Counseling
• Educational Status
• Female
• HIV Infections
• HIV Seropositivity
• Health Education
• Humans
• Male
• Prospective Studies
• Rwanda
• Safe Sex
• Sexual Behavior
• Sexual Partners
• Spermatocidal Agents
• Teaching
• education

Other ID:

• 30066990

UI: 102196504

From Meeting Abstracts