Change over time (2007-2009) in HIV preventive behaviours, evidence from two serial population-based surveys in rural Zimbabwe.

OBJECTIVE: To assess reported HIV knowledge and attitudes, sexual behaviours and HIV testing in Zimbabwe. METHODS: Representative household surveys of all 18-24 year olds and a proportion of 25-44 year olds were conducted in six purposefully selected rural districts in two provinces in 2007 and 2009. Both surveys used the same methods and questionnaires. We compared differences in reported HIV knowledge, sexual behaviours and HIV testing, controlling for differences in socio-demographics at baseline, using cross-tabulations and multivariate regression analyses. RESULTS: Analysis was restricted to districts included in both baseline (n = 1891) and mid-term (n = 2746) surveys. Comparisons indicate increased reports of HIV knowledge (35%vs. 22% had high knowledge) and more favourable individual attitudes towards HIV. There was an increase in reported HIV testing (men: 41%vs. 31%, women: 55%vs. 36%) and condom use (men: adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.35, women: AOR = 1.22) and a decrease in number of sexual partners (men: 67%vs. 49% reported 1 partner/previous 6 months, women: 77%vs. 68%). CONCLUSIONS: As Zimbabwe continues to document declines in HIV prevalence, this analysis offers insight into recent and continuing positive changes in knowledge, attitudes and behaviours among the rural population.

Prevalence and factors associated with knowledge of and willingness for male circumcision in rural Zimbabwe.

OBJECTIVE: To explore male circumcision (MC) prevalence, knowledge, attitudes and intentions among rural Zimbabweans. METHODS: Representative survey of 18-44 year olds in two provinces, as part of an evaluation of the Zimbabwe National Behaviour Change Programme. We conducted univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses. Linear regression was employed to predict knowledge of MC (composite index) and logistic regression to predict knowledge that MC prevents HIV, willingness (oneself or one's partner) to undergo MC, and willingness to have son circumcised. RESULTS: Two thousand seven hundred and forty-six individuals participated in the survey (87% of eligibles). About two-thirds were women (64%). Twenty per cent of men reported being circumcised, while 17% of women reported having a circumcised partner. Knowledge of MC and its health benefits was low. Attitudes towards MC were relatively positive. If it could prevent HIV, 52% of men reported that they would undergo MC and 58% of women indicated that they would like their partners to be circumcised. Seventy-five per cent of men who reported being HIV positive were willing to undergo MC, against 52% of those who reported HIV negative status. Reported acceptability of neonatal circumcision was high with 58% of men and 60% of women reporting that they would have their sons circumcised if it protected them against HIV. Fear of adverse effects was highlighted as a barrier to MC acceptability. CONCLUSION: More knowledge about MC's health benefits positively affects people's attitudes towards MC. The relatively high MC acceptability suggests an enabling environment for the scale-up programme.

Population-level impact of Zimbabwe's National Behavioural Change Programme.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of Zimbabwe's National Behavioural Change Programme (NBCP) on biological and behavioral outcomes. METHODS: Representative household biobehavioral surveys of 18- to 44-year-olds were conducted in randomly selected enumeration areas in 2007 and 2011 to 2012. We examined program impact on HIV prevalence among young women, nonregular partnerships, condom use with nonregular partners, and HIV testing, distinguishing between highly exposed and low-exposed communities and individuals. We conducted (1) difference-in-differences analyses with communities as unit of analysis and (2) analyses of key outcomes by individual-level program exposure. RESULTS: Four thousand seven hundred seventy-six people were recruited in 2007 and 10,059 in 2011 to 2012. We found high exposure to NBCP in 2011. Prevalence of HIV and reported risky behaviors declined between 2007 and 2011. Community-level analyses showed a smaller decline in HIV prevalence among young women in highly exposed areas (11.0%-10.1%) than low-exposed areas (16.9%-10.3%, P = 0.078). Among young men, uptake of nonregular partners declined more in highly exposed areas (25%-16.8%) than low-exposed areas (21.9%-20.7%, P = 0.055) and HIV testing increased (27.2%-46.1% vs. 31.0%-34.4%, P = 0.004). Individual-level analyses showed higher reported condom use with nonregular partners among highly exposed young women (53% vs. 21% of unexposed counterparts, P = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: We conducted the first impact evaluation of a NBCP and found positive effects of program exposure on key behaviors among certain gender and age groups. HIV prevalence among young women declined but could not be attributed to program exposure. These findings suggest substantial program effects regarding demand creation and justify program expansion.

Positive attitudes to pediatric HIV testing: findings from a nationally representative survey from Zimbabwe.

OBJECTIVE: Early HIV testing and diagnosis are paramount for increasing treatment initiation among children, necessary for their survival and improved health. However, uptake of pediatric HIV testing is low in high-prevalence areas. We present data on attitudes towards pediatric testing from a nationally representative survey in Zimbabwe. METHODS: All 18-24 year olds and a proportion of 25-49 year olds living in randomly selected enumeration areas from all ten Zimbabwe provinces were invited to self-complete an anonymous questionnaire on a personal digital assistant, and 16,719 people agreed to participate (75% of eligibles). RESULTS: Most people think children can benefit from HIV testing (91%), 81% of people who looked after children know how to access testing for their children and 92% would feel happier if their children were tested. Notably, 42% fear that, if tested, children may be discriminated against by some community members and 28% fear their children are HIV positive. People who fear discrimination against children who have tested for HIV are more likely than their counterparts to perceive their community as stigmatizing against HIV positive people (43% vs. 29%). They are also less likely to report positive attitudes to HIV themselves (49% vs. 74%). Only 28% think it is possible for children HIV-infected at birth to live into adolescence without treatment. Approximately 70% of people (irrespective of whether they are themselves parents) think HIV-infected children in their communities can access testing and treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric HIV testing is the essential gateway to prevention and care services. Our data indicate positive attitudes to testing children, suggesting a conducive environment for increasing uptake of pediatric testing in Zimbabwe. However, there is a need to better understand the barriers to pediatric testing, such as stigma and discrimination, and address the gaps in knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS in children.