Marseille 2007
Marseille 2007
Abstract book
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Abstract #105  -  Perceptions of HIV risk in Zimbabwe: How accurate are they compared to risk behavior?
Session:
  26.41: Posters B (Poster) on Tuesday   in  Chaired by
Authors:
  Presenting Author:   Dr Danuta Kasprzyk - Battelle, United States
 
  Additional Authors:  Dr Daniel Montao, Dr April  Greek, Dr Godfrey Woelk,  
Aim:
There are mixed results regarding whether perception of risk impacts decisions to reduce sexually risky behavior in HIV/STD acquisition. Risk perceptions may or may not affect individuals likelihood of risk reduction. Few studies regarding how HIV risk perception is linked with actual risk behaviors and HIV prevalence have been conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa.
 
Method / Issue:
A national survey of risk behaviors and STD/HIV was conducted in 32 rural growth point villages (GPs) in Zimbabwe. A trained team of nurses using computer assisted interviews collected survey and biological data from randomly selected 16-30 year olds in 70 randomly selected households in each of the 32 GPs. Demographics, behavioral risk, HIV/STD results were assessed. Individuals were also asked about their perceived risk of HIV acquisition. Analyses related overall risk perception with risk behaviors and HIV/STD results, and compared men and women.
 
Results / Comments:
1601 individuals were assessed: 43% were male (73% Shona, 27% Ndebele). 82% ever had sex; overall HIV prevalence was 25%. Overall, greater risk perception was associated with being divorced/widowed; having more partners; having casual or commercial partners; having genital ulcers/discharge; and not using condoms. While these are significant for men, they are not significant for women.
 
Discussion:
Men in rural Zimbabwe have a fairly realistic perception of risk of HIV aqcquisition, associated with their own behavior, while women do not. This is likely due to the fact that womens actual behavior, on average, is much less risky. Men have higher risk behaviors, and higher risk perception. Women are made vulnerable to HIV infection by their partners behavior. They justifiably perceive themselves to be lower risk because of their own behavior; but have higher HIV prevalence, likely due to acquisition of HIV from their partners who engage in higher proportions of HIV risk behaviors.
 
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