Rusakaniko S, Siziya S, Maradzika J, Naamara W, Sonnichsen C; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1996 Jul 7-12; 11: 395 (abstract no. Tu.D.2766).
AIDSCAP, Arlington, VA, USA. Fax: 703.516.9781.
Objective: To determine the knowledge of AIDS prevention practices, awareness of chances of being infected, and reported condom use prevalence among commercial sex workers (CSWs) living along the 3 major transportation corridors (routes) in Zimbabwe. Methods: A total of 482 CSW were randomly selected from 15 sites along the 3 major routes of Zimbabwe. The data was collected using the Family Health International/AIDS Control and Prevention Project (FHI/AIDSCAP) core structured questionnaire. After the interviews, focus group discussions were carried out. Results: Respondents' mean age was 27.8 (SD=6.4) years. The radio was the common source of information on AIDS. Knowledge level of preventive measures was 93%. About 51.2% were aware of the fact that they were at risk of acquiring HIV/AIDS. Almost every CSW (92.8%) could access a condom. About 83.2% reported changing their behavior since hearing about AIDS. All indicated changing their behavior to include condom use. Condom use prevalence was 92.8%. About 25.5% inconsistently used a condom in the first round and not in subsequent rounds. The STD prevalence was 46.7%. Conclusions: The knowledge level of preventive measures was high, and respondents could easily access condoms. Appropriate interventions for upgrading the status of CSWs and equipping them with assertiveness skills to negotiate safer sex are a priority.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Awareness
- Condoms
- Data Collection
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
- Interviews as Topic
- Knowledge
- Negotiating
- Prevalence
- Prostitution
- Questionnaires
- Safe Sex
- Zimbabwe
- epidemiology
- methods
- organization & administration
Other ID:
UI: 102218829
From Meeting Abstracts