Nhova A, Marufu T, Siziya S, Dzuda C; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1996 Jul 7-12; 11: 199 (abstract no. Mo.D.1856).
AIDSCAP, Arlington, VA, USA. Fax: 703-516-9781.
Objectives: To carry out a baseline knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices (KABP) survey on STD/HIV/AIDS against which to measure the impact of the ZNA/FHI/AIDSCAP project in the future. Methods: The study population was stratified into rural/urban. A random selection of units in each category was done. Five rural and four urban units were selected. Sample size for each unit was proportional to the size of the unit. A systematic sampling procedure was used to identify members and wives to be interviewed in their residential married quarters. 550 members of the rank of sergeant and below and 251 wives living in married quarters were interviewed with questionnaires. All available female members meeting the rank criteria were interviewed. Focus group discussions and key informant interviews were also used. Results: The majority of members live in barracks away from their spouses. 48.6% of the respondents had been away from home for more than a month in the preceding 12 months. 99.1% of respondents could name two correct means of HIV infection and prevention. 81% of respondents had incorrect perceptions of risk to HIV. The main sources of information were radio (83.5%); TV (51.8%); friends, relatives and peer educators (32.3%); health workers (30.9%); newspapers (24.5%); pamphlets (13.5%); religious leaders (11.0%); and meetings (6.6%). 78.7% of respondents indicated that they had changed their behavior since hearing about AIDS. 29.5% reported risky sexual intercourse in the last 12 months. Of the 236 respondents who had had sexual intercourse with non-regular sex partners, 44.1% used condoms in those sexual encounters. Respondents were reluctant to reveal recent occurrence of STD because current army regulations call for punishment of personnel with STDs. Conclusions: The knowledge levels of STD/HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention are high in the ZNA. However, there is a wide knowledge/behavior gap as demonstrated by the percentage of respondents who use condoms during risky sexual intercourse. Tours of duty and lack of accommodations predispose ZNA members to the risk of HIV.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Behavior
- Condoms
- Data Collection
- Federal Government
- Female
- Government Agencies
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Questionnaires
- Sexual Partners
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases
- Zimbabwe
Other ID:
UI: 102217778
From Meeting Abstracts