Knowledge, beliefs and practices among black goldminers relating to the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus and other sexually transmitted diseases.
The Chamber of Mines of South Africa employs approximately 750,000 miners from all over southern Africa. Sero-surveys in 1986 showed that, depending on geographical area of origin, between 0.02% and 3.76% of miners were positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibodies. As a consequence, an intensive education campaign to stop the spread of HIV infection was launched. A study was undertaken to establish a valid baseline level of knowledge about black miners' beliefs, attitudes and practices related to HIV infection, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and to recommend appropriate changes to the educational efforts of the Chamber of Mines. A structured, pre-tested questionnaire was used to interview in their home language 429 systematically sampled black miners from four different mines. The most relevant findings were that younger age, not being married and how general education predispose to contracting STDs, while a feeling of being at risk for contracting HIV infection is positively correlated with level of education. Close friends were the most important source of information on STDs, but the media and medical staff were the most important sources of information on AIDS/HIV infection. Condoms were used by 31% of respondents, while the main reasons for non-use were trust in the sexual partner and lack of availability. Promotion of a stable family life for miners may significantly impact on the transmission of HIV infection.
Ijsselmuiden
C B
CB
Department of Community Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
Padayachee
G N
GN
Mashaba
W
W
Martiny
O
O
van Staden
H P
HP
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000635:transmission*; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D044383:Black People; D003275:Contraceptive Devices, Male / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008906:Mining; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000635:transmission*; D013019:South Africa