RESUMO
Substance use is a recognized risk factor for HIV acquisition, transmission and progression in South Africa. Persons who use drugs (PWUD) and access specialist substance abuse treatment centers (SSATCs) are a potentially critical target group for HIV services because of the severity of their substance use and associated health risks. SSATCs represent an opportunity for integrated programming, particularly HIV testing services (HTS), to reach PWUD who are at an increased risk of or living with HIV. This analysis of national SSATC admission data explores self-reported HIV testing and associated factors to identify coverage gaps and integration opportunities. The South African Community Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (SACENDU) collects routine surveillance data to monitor national treatment admission trends in alcohol and other drug use. SACENDU data from 2012 to 2017 was analyzed using chi-square test of independence and logistic regression to examine associations between HTS, demographic characteristics and substances of use. Of 87,339 treatment admissions, 47.5% (n = 41,481) of patients had not accessed HTS in the prior 12 months. HTS was reported less frequently by patients whose primary substance of use was cannabis or those with polysubstance use (36.9% and 41.1%, respectively). None of the substance use sub-groups reported a testing rate above 70%. Compared to specific reference groups, logistic regression showed those with lower odds of HTS were: 15-19 years (OR = 0.59); had primary-level education (OR = 0.51); were scholars/learners (OR = 0.27); and primarily cannabis users (OR = 0.64). Patients whose primary drug was heroin had higher odds of testing (OR = 2.45) as did those who injected drugs (OR = 2.86). Given the low coverage and decreased odds of self-reported HTS among sub-groups of patients in SSATCs, the integration of HIV services for PWUD should be a priority in South Africa and a focus of the national HIV strategy.
Assuntos
Infecções por HIV , Centros de Tratamento de Abuso de Substâncias , Infecções por HIV/diagnóstico , Infecções por HIV/epidemiologia , Infecções por HIV/prevenção & controle , Teste de HIV , Humanos , Autorrelato , África do Sul/epidemiologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Few countries in sub-Saharan Africa know the magnitude of their HIV epidemic among people who inject drugs (PWID). This was the first study in Mozambique to measure prevalence of HIV, HBV, and HCV, and to assess demographic characteristics and risk behaviors in this key population. METHODS: We used respondent-driven sampling (RDS) to conduct a cross-sectional behavioral surveillance survey of PWID in two cities of Mozambique lasting six months. Participants were persons who had ever injected drugs without a prescription. Participants completed a behavioral questionnaire and provided blood specimens for HIV, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV) testing. We performed RDS-adjusted analysis in R 3.2 using RDSAT 7.1 weights. RESULTS: We enrolled 353 PWID in Maputo and 139 in Nampula/Nacala; approximately 95% of participants were men. Disease prevalence in Maputo and Nampula/Nacala, respectively, was 50.1 and 19.9% for HIV, 32.1 and 36.4% for HBsAg positivity, and 44.6 and 7.0% for anti-HCV positivity. Additionally, 8% (Maputo) and 28.6% (Nampula/Nacala) of PWID reported having a genital sore or ulcer in the 12 months preceding the survey. Among PWID who injected drugs in the last month, 50.3% (Maputo) and 49.6% (Nampula/Nacala) shared a needle at least once that month. Condomless sex in the last 12 months was reported by 52.4% of PWID in Maputo and 29.1% in Nampula/Nacala. Among PWID, 31.6% (Maputo) and 41.0% (Nampula/Nacala) had never tested for HIV. In multivariable analysis, PWID who used heroin had 4.3 (Maputo; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2, 18.2) and 2.3 (Nampula/Nacala; 95% CI: 1.2, 4.9) greater odds of having HIV. CONCLUSION: Unsafe sexual behaviors and injection practices are frequent among PWID in Mozambique, and likely contribute to the disproportionate burden of disease we found. Intensified efforts in prevention, care, and treatment specific for PWID have the potential to limit disease transmission.
Assuntos
Usuários de Drogas/estatística & dados numéricos , Infecções por HIV/epidemiologia , Hepatite B/epidemiologia , Hepatite C/epidemiologia , Abuso de Substâncias por Via Intravenosa/epidemiologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Cidades/epidemiologia , Estudos Transversais , Epidemias , Feminino , Infecções por HIV/sangue , Soropositividade para HIV/epidemiologia , Hepatite B/sangue , Antígenos de Superfície da Hepatite B/análise , Antígenos de Superfície da Hepatite B/sangue , Antígenos de Superfície da Hepatite B/imunologia , Hepatite C/sangue , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Moçambique/epidemiologia , Vigilância da População/métodos , Prevalência , Assunção de Riscos , Estudos Soroepidemiológicos , Comportamento Sexual/estatística & dados numéricos , Inquéritos e Questionários/estatística & dados numéricos , População Urbana/estatística & dados numéricos , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Violence against women, including female sex workers, is a public health concern worldwide. This is the first study in Mozambique to estimate the prevalence of and factors associated with physical and sexual violence against female sex workers. We used data collected from 1,250 women recruited using respondent-driven sampling in the cities of Maputo, Beira and Nampula in 2011-12. Participants were 15 years of age and reported having had sex for money in the preceding six months. Prevalence of physical or sexual violence (defined as being hit or battered or raped or forced to have sex within the last 6 months) ranged from 10.0% to 25.6%. Strangers (37.0%) and acquaintances (31.2%) were reported to be the most frequent perpetrators of sexual violence. Among participants who experienced sexual violence, 65.9% and 87.0% did not seek medical care and police assistance, respectively. Physical or sexual violence was associated with city (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.6 and 2.0 Nampula and Beira vs Maputo), age (AOR 1.9, aged 15-24 years vs aged 25 and older), unprotected sex with last client (AOR 1.6) and self-reported sexually transmitted infections (AOR 2.1). The high prevalence of violence found confirms the need for interventions to mitigate this problem.
Assuntos
Delitos Sexuais/estatística & dados numéricos , Profissionais do Sexo/estatística & dados numéricos , Sexo sem Proteção/estatística & dados numéricos , Adolescente , Adulto , Feminino , Humanos , Moçambique , Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis/transmissão , Adulto JovemRESUMO
African men who have sex with men (MSM) frequently, and often concurrently, have female partners, raising concerns about HIV sexual bridging. We explored potential HIV transmission in Mozambique from and to female partners of MSM focusing on preferred anal sex role and circumcision status. Data collected in a respondent-driven sampling study of MSM in 2011 in Maputo and Beira. Men who had oral or anal sex with other men 12 months prior completed a questionnaire and consented for HIV testing. Statistical analysis explored demographic/risk characteristics and associations among circumcision status, anal sex with men, sexual positions during anal sex with men and vaginal or anal sex with women. We identified 326 MSM in Maputo and 237 in Beira with both male and female partners 3 months before the study. Of these, 20.8% in Maputo and 36.0% in Beira had any receptive anal sex with men 12 months prior, including 895 unprotected sexual acts with males in Maputo and 692 in Beira. Uncircumcised and exclusively insertive males, 27.7% of the sample in Maputo and 33.6% in Beira, had the most unprotected sex with females: 1159 total acts in Maputo and 600 in Beira. Sexual bridging between MSM and women likely varies geographically and is probably bi-directional, occurring within a generalized epidemic where HIV prevalence is higher among reproductive-age women than MSM. Prevention strategies emphasizing correct and consistent condom use for all partners and circumcision for bisexual men should be considered.
Assuntos
Infecções por HIV/transmissão , Homossexualidade Masculina/estatística & dados numéricos , Minorias Sexuais e de Gênero/estatística & dados numéricos , Adolescente , Adulto , Circuncisão Masculina/estatística & dados numéricos , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Identidade de Gênero , Infecções por HIV/epidemiologia , Infecções por HIV/prevenção & controle , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Moçambique/epidemiologia , Prevalência , Fatores de Risco , Comportamento Sexual/estatística & dados numéricos , Parceiros Sexuais , Inquéritos e Questionários , Sexo sem Proteção/estatística & dados numéricosRESUMO
This is the first integrated biological and behavioral surveillance survey among long-distance truck drivers (LDTD) in Mozambique. Using modified time-location sampling in 2012 at a key transportation junction (Inchope), we enrolled 327 male LDTD. HIV prevalence was 15.4 % (95 % confidence interval : 11.4-19.4 %, n = 318 tested). Among HIV-positive LDTD, 83.7 % did not know their status. One-third of LDTD had never tested for HIV and three-quarters had not received free condoms, lubricants or HIV literature in the past 12 months. In that same period, 61.4 % of LDTD had at least four sexual partners and 27.1 % paid for sex. Among sexually-active LDTD, 76.5 % did not use a condom at last sex. HIV was associated (p < 0.05) with primary education or lower (AOR 2.1), residence in Mozambique (AOR 2.3) and never having tested for HIV (AOR 2.2). Our findings reveal that broader coverage of HIV prevention and comprehensive care services for LDTD are urgently needed.
Assuntos
Infecções por HIV/epidemiologia , Ocupações , Comportamento Sexual/estatística & dados numéricos , Meios de Transporte , Adolescente , Adulto , Preservativos/estatística & dados numéricos , Estudos Transversais , Infecções por HIV/diagnóstico , Infecções por HIV/transmissão , Humanos , Masculino , Veículos Automotores , Moçambique/epidemiologia , Prevalência , Fatores de Risco , Assunção de Riscos , Sexo Seguro/psicologia , Sexo Seguro/estatística & dados numéricos , Parceiros Sexuais , Inquéritos e Questionários , Sexo sem Proteção/psicologia , Sexo sem Proteção/estatística & dados numéricos , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Using respondent-driven sampling (RDS), an integrated biological behavioral survey among men that have sex with men (MSM) enrolled 457 participants in Maputo [63.0 % were MSM who had sex with women (MSMW)], 538 in Beira (36.2 % MSMW) and 330 in Nampula-Nacala (54.8 % MSMW) in 2011. Analysis suggests that MSM who have sex only with men (MSMO) had increased odds of having HIV (aOR 2.7) compared to MSMW. HIV among MSMO associated with age, self-reported STI (aOR 4.2), having a single male anal partner (aOR 3.8) and having transactional sex with a man (aOR 3.5) in the past year. Among MSMW, HIV associated with age, lower education (aOR 32.5), being uncircumcised (aOR 3.1) and having transactional sex with a woman (aOR 6.0) in the past year. Findings confirm that MSMO and MSMW have distinct HIV risks in Mozambique; HIV programs for MSM in Southern Africa should take such differences into consideration.
Assuntos
Bissexualidade/estatística & dados numéricos , Infecções por HIV/epidemiologia , Homossexualidade Masculina/estatística & dados numéricos , Comportamento Sexual , Parceiros Sexuais , Sexo sem Proteção , Adolescente , Adulto , Estudos Transversais , Infecções por HIV/prevenção & controle , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Moçambique/epidemiologia , Fatores de Risco , Assunção de Riscos , Autorrelato , Inquéritos e Questionários , População UrbanaRESUMO
This is the first integrated biological and behavioral survey among female sex workers (FSW) in Mozambique. Using respondent-driven sampling, 400, 411 and 429 FSW were enrolled respectively in Maputo, Beira and Nampula in 2011-2012. Estimates were produced using RDSAT 7.1. HIV prevalence was 31.2, 23.6, and 17.8 % in each location respectively. Among HIV-positive FSW, 48.1, 79.8 and 89.6 % in each city, were unaware of their serostatus. Condom use at last sex with a client was 85.8, 73.4 and 62.8 % among FSW, respectively. HIV was associated with current age, age of first sex for money, low educational level, and having had a genital ulcer in the last 6 months. Results suggest the urgent need to increase behavioral and structural interventions in this key population.
Assuntos
Infecções por HIV/psicologia , Assunção de Riscos , Profissionais do Sexo/psicologia , População Urbana , Adolescente , Preservativos , Feminino , Infecções por HIV/epidemiologia , Humanos , Moçambique/epidemiologia , Vigilância da População , Prevalência , Fatores de Risco , Sexo Seguro , Profissionais do Sexo/estatística & dados numéricos , Fatores Socioeconômicos , Inquéritos e Questionários , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Characteristics, HIV risk, and program coverage for underage female sex workers (FSW) are rarely systematically described worldwide. We compared characteristics of underage (15-17 years old) and adult (≥18 years old) FSW in three main urban areas of Mozambique (Maputo, Beira and Nampula) using data from three respondent-driven sampling surveys implemented in 2011-2012. Among survey participants, 9.8 % (39/400) in Maputo, 17.0 % (70/411) in Beira and 25.6 % (110/429) in Nampula were underage. Over half reported performing sex work to afford daily living, and 29.7-50.0 % had unprotected sex with their last client. The proportion of underage FSW having accessed care and prevention services was lower compared to adult FSW. While HIV prevalence among underage FSW was lower than in adults, it increased markedly with age. Our results point to the urgency of expanding prevention and care programs geared towards underage FSW.
Assuntos
Infecções por HIV/epidemiologia , Profissionais do Sexo , Sexo sem Proteção , Adolescente , Criança , Feminino , Comportamentos Relacionados com a Saúde , Humanos , Moçambique/epidemiologia , Prevalência , Trabalho SexualRESUMO
The population of men who have sex with men (MSM) has been largely ignored in HIV-related policies and programming in Mozambique and there is little information about the contribution of MSM to the HIV epidemic. An integrated biological and behavioral study among MSM using respondent-driven sampling was conducted in 2011 in Maputo, Beira and Nampula/Nacala. Men who reported engaging in oral or anal sex with other men in the last 12 months answered a questionnaire and provided a blood sample for HIV testing. The prevalence of HIV was 8.2 % (Maputo, n = 496), 9.1 % (Beira, n = 584) and 3.1 % (Nampula/Nacala, n = 353). Prevalence was higher among MSM ≥ 25 vs. 18-24 years: 33.8 % vs. 2.4 % (p < 0.001), 32.1 vs. 2.8 % (p < 0.001), and 10.3 vs. 2.7 % (p < 0.06), in each city respectively. The difference in prevalence demonstrates the need to increase prevention for younger MSM at risk for HIV and ensure care and treatment for older HIV-infected MSM.
Assuntos
Infecções por HIV/prevenção & controle , Homossexualidade Masculina/estatística & dados numéricos , Aceitação pelo Paciente de Cuidados de Saúde/estatística & dados numéricos , Assunção de Riscos , Populações Vulneráveis/estatística & dados numéricos , Adulto , Distribuição por Idade , Estudos Transversais , Infecções por HIV/sangue , Infecções por HIV/epidemiologia , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Moçambique/epidemiologia , Análise Multivariada , Prevalência , Fatores de Risco , Estudos Soroepidemiológicos , Inquéritos e Questionários , Adulto JovemRESUMO
The South Africa HIV Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) was formed in 2017 to train health professionals and nonprofessional lay workers in evidence-based addiction interventions as a strategy for addressing the country's HIV epidemic. This article describes the Year 1 activities of the South Africa HIV ATTC including an initial needs assessment with high-level stakeholders, an advisory board meeting with South African government and nongovernment agencies, a learning exchange with other international ATTCs, and the identification of Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) as a focal intervention for widespread training. The article details the culmination of Year 1 activities via a national forum on SBIRT and presents posttraining satisfaction data across SBIRT events. Lessons learned during the first year include the importance of building strong partnerships with high-level stakeholders, conducting a targeted needs assessment, and identifying a focal intervention for widespread dissemination. Trainees reported high satisfaction and intention to use the knowledge and skills gained. Overall, the methods used by the South Africa HIV ATTC demonstrate a novel approach to training health professionals and lay health workers in evidence-based addiction services as a means of improving HIV outcomes.
RESUMO
Many HIV prevention funding agencies require the use of evidence-based behavioral interventions (EBIs) previously shown to be effective through rigorous outcome evaluation. Often, the implementing agency's setting or target population is different than those in the original implementation and evaluation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, in collaboration with internal and external partners, developed draft guidance to adapt an EBI to fit the cultural context, risk determinants, risk behaviors, and unique circumstances of the agency without competing with or contradicting the core elements and internal logic. The guidance described in this article provides a systematic approach to help agencies identify the most appropriate intervention for their target population and agency capacity, monitor the process, and evaluate the outcomes of the adapted intervention. This guidance, currently being piloted with five community-based organizations, will be revised and disseminated at the conclusion of project activities.
Assuntos
Medicina Baseada em Evidências , Comportamentos Relacionados com a Saúde , Promoção da Saúde/organização & administração , Necessidades e Demandas de Serviços de Saúde , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. , Infecções por HIV/prevenção & controle , Promoção da Saúde/métodos , Humanos , Saúde Pública , Comportamento de Redução do Risco , Estados UnidosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Adult device circumcision may potentially reach more men in Sub-Saharan Africa, with fewer human resource and capacity needs than surgical procedures. Despite these advantages, little is known about device acceptability, including pain and maintaining the device in situ. METHODS: Healthy, HIV-negative men, between 18 and 49 years, in a Maputo clinic, were consecutively asked to participate in a circumcision device study that included assessing acceptability. Clinical forms and self-administered surveys were used to collect data at various times during the circumcision process for consenting men. Data were entered into a central database and analyzed using statistical software. RESULTS: Between May and July, 2013, 504 men received device circumcision. Placement was painless for 98.2% of the male population, but the pain was more common during removal with 38.3% reporting severe or unbearable and 21.5% moderate pain. Satisfaction was high at both time points with 88.8% and 92.6% of men being very or somewhat satisfied at placement and removal, respectively. Half of the male population (50.2%) was very or somewhat comfortable with the device in situ; whereas, 36.8% were somewhat or very uncomfortable. Common device difficulties experienced were painful erections (38.5%) and difficult urination (21.8%) and hygiene (21.4%). By the final clinic visit at day 49, 90.4% of them were very or somewhat satisfied with the procedure. DISCUSSION: High levels of satisfaction were reported for device circumcision, despite the pain noted during removal and some challenges with the device in situ. Given the advantages and acceptability among Mozambican men in this study, device circumcision could be offered, when clinically appropriate, as an alternative to surgery.
Assuntos
Circuncisão Masculina/instrumentação , Aceitação pelo Paciente de Cuidados de Saúde , Adolescente , Adulto , Circuncisão Masculina/psicologia , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Moçambique , Estudos Prospectivos , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Despite the Mozambique government's efforts to curb human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), national prevalence is 11.5% and support is needed to expand HIV-related services and improve program quality. Positive prevention (PP) programs, which prioritize HIV prevention with people living with HIV and AIDS (PLHIV), have been recognized as an important intervention for preventing new HIV infections. To address this, an evidence-based PP training intervention was implemented with HIV healthcare providers in Mozambique. This study focuses on the acceptability and feasibility of a PP intervention in HIV clinics from the healthcare provider perspective. In-depth interviews were conducted with 31 healthcare providers from three provinces who participated in PP trainings in Mozambique. Interview data were coded using content analysis. Study data suggest that healthcare providers found PP acceptable, feasible to implement in their HIV work in clinic settings, and valued this strategy to improve HIV prevention. The PP training also led providers to feel more comfortable counseling their patients about prevention, with a more holistic approach that included HIV testing, treatment and encouraging PLHIV to live positively. While overall acceptance of the PP training was positive, several barriers to feasibility surfaced in the data. Patient-level barriers included resistance to disclosing HIV status due to fear of stigma and discrimination, difficulty negotiating for condom use, difficulty engaging men in testing and treatment, and the effects of poverty on accessing care. Providers also identified work environment barriers including high patient load, time constraints, and frequent staff turnover. Recognizing PP as an important intervention, healthcare providers should be trained to provide comprehensive prevention, care and treatment for PLHIV. Further work is needed to explore the complex social dynamics and cultural challenges such as gender inequalities, stigma and discrimination which hinder the full impact of PP interventions in this context.
Assuntos
Infecções por HIV/prevenção & controle , Pessoal de Saúde/estatística & dados numéricos , Aceitação pelo Paciente de Cuidados de Saúde/estatística & dados numéricos , Estigma Social , Adolescente , Adulto , Discriminação Psicológica , Prática Clínica Baseada em Evidências , Estudos de Viabilidade , Feminino , Infecções por HIV/psicologia , Infecções por HIV/transmissão , Pessoal de Saúde/psicologia , Necessidades e Demandas de Serviços de Saúde , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Moçambique/epidemiologia , Aceitação pelo Paciente de Cuidados de Saúde/psicologia , Desenvolvimento de Programas , Avaliação de Programas e Projetos de Saúde , Pesquisa Qualitativa , Comportamento de Redução do RiscoRESUMO
A Positive Health, Dignity, and Prevention framework is being implemented in Mozambique to maintain the health of persons living with HIV (PLHIV) and prevent onward HIV transmission. An important intervention component is psycho-social support. However, coordinating support services has been challenging. Seventy in-depth individual interviews were conducted with PLHIV between January and June 2010 in three rural provinces to clarify the receipt and provision of support by PLHIV. Thematic coding and analysis were conducted to identify salient responses. PLHIV reported that the majority of social support received was instrumental, followed by emotional and informational support. Instrumental support included material, medical, and financial assistance. Emotional support was mentioned less frequently and was supplied most by family and friends. PLHIV also received informational support from a variety of sources, the most common being family members. Informational support from health providers was rarely mentioned, but this advice was valued and used to educate others. Although most participants described receiving social support from many sources, there were consistently identified needs. This study revealed that social support is central in the lives of PLHIV and identified areas where social support can be improved to better respond to the needs of PLHIV in the Mozambican context.
Assuntos
Infecções por HIV/prevenção & controle , Infecções por HIV/psicologia , Aceitação pelo Paciente de Cuidados de Saúde , Avaliação de Programas e Projetos de Saúde , Apoio Social , Adaptação Psicológica , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Prestação Integrada de Cuidados de Saúde/organização & administração , Estudos de Viabilidade , Feminino , Humanos , Entrevistas como Assunto , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Moçambique , Serviços Preventivos de Saúde/organização & administração , Pesquisa Qualitativa , Serviços de Saúde Rural , População Rural , Adulto JovemRESUMO
The rapid scale-up of HIV care and treatment in Mozambique has provided an opportunity to reach people living with HIV (PLHIV) with prevention interventions in HIV care and treatment settings. A three-day Positive Prevention (PP) training intervention for health care providers that focused on pressing issues for PLHIV in Mozambique was adapted and delivered at sites in three provinces. In-depth interviews were conducted with 31 providers trained in the PP curriculum. Qualitative data were used to assess the appropriateness of the training materials and approach, which lessons providers learned and were able to implement and which PP messages were still difficult to deliver. Providers reported gaining numerous insights from the training, including how to conduct a risk assessment and client-centered counseling, negotiating disclosure, partner testing, condom use, PMTCT, treatment adherence and approaches for positive living. Training topics not commonly mentioned included discordance counseling, STIs, family planning, alcohol and drug use, and frank sexual risk discussions. While areas for improvement exist, the PP training was useful in transferring skills to providers and is a viable component of HIV care. This evaluation helps identify areas where future PP trainings and specific strategies and messages can be refined for the Mozambican context.
Assuntos
Atitude do Pessoal de Saúde , Infecções por HIV/prevenção & controle , Pessoal de Saúde/educação , Educação de Pacientes como Assunto/métodos , Comportamento Sexual , Adulto , Preservativos/estatística & dados numéricos , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Infecções por HIV/terapia , Infecções por HIV/transmissão , Pessoal de Saúde/psicologia , Humanos , Entrevistas como Assunto , Masculino , Moçambique , Educação de Pacientes como Assunto/normas , Avaliação de Programas e Projetos de Saúde , Pesquisa Qualitativa , Comportamento de Redução do RiscoRESUMO
Ethiopian women face complex social and cultural factors that influence their probability of HIV infection. HIV prevention efforts among this population are particularly important; however, female participation in a rural, HIV prevention project has been minimal. This programme evaluation investigated barriers and facilitators influencing women's ability to participate in project activities. Evaluation data were collected through nine focus groups and 20 semi-structured interviews, which were conducted between October and November 2003. The main themes found to negatively influence women's decisions to participate in this HIV prevention activity included: domestic workloads, lack of education and awareness, and cultural norms that have discouraged discussions about HIV and sexuality. Domestic chores, which are labour intensive and limit time and energy, were found to be the primary barrier to participation among women. Respondents also indicated that female illiteracy and limited educational attainment occur within a social context that traditionally supports education for men but discourages formal knowledge among women, including HIV prevention. Lack of education and inability to freely discuss sexuality denies women access to health information, potentially exposing women to adverse consequences such as HIV infection. Identified facilitators of participation included a radio serial drama and the one female peer educator associated with the project.