Self reported sexual and reproductive behaviour of male and female student nurses and midwives in Bulawayo.
OBJECTIVE
To find out more about sexual and reproductive behaviour in male and female student nurses and midwives in Bulawayo.


METHODS
Anonymous self administered questionnaire.


METHODS
Schools of Nursing Mpilo and Bulawayo Central Hospitals.


METHODS
Three hundred and twenty four students, student nurses (n = 99) and student midwives (n = 225).


METHODS
Preferred family size, enjoyment and frequency of sexual behaviour, induced abortion, masturbation, pre- and extramarital sex and HIV risk.


RESULTS
Male student nurses have far more pre- and extramarital sexual contacts than their female counterparts. Of the married females 67% had only ever had one sexual partner, (this figure was 15% in married males) and 33%, suspect or know that their husband has another sexual partner sometimes.


CONCLUSIONS
Promiscuity is rare in female student nurses. Their risk factors, if any, related to HIV infection are mainly caused by their partners' pre- and extramarital behaviour. HIV testing of these partners is their only realistic hope of reducing their risk. The enjoyment of heterosexual activity is like that in Western Countries although it starts at a later age.
Verkuyl
D A
DA
United Bulawayo Hospital, P O Box 958, Bulawayo. dverkuyl@healthnet.zw
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003268:Contraception Behavior / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017533:Marital Status; D009721:Nurse Midwives / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D012098:Reproduction; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012737:Sex Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014504:Urban Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015030:Zimbabwe