title: Motives, sexual behaviour, and risk factors associated with HIV in individuals seeking voluntary counselling and testing in a rural district of Malawi.
abstract: A study was conducted among individuals seeking voluntary HIV counselling and testing (VCT) in order to (a) describe their motives and source(s) of information, (b) describe their sexual behaviour; and (c) identify risk factors associated with HIV infection. Of 723 individuals who sought VCT, the most common reason (50%) was recent knowledge of HIV/AIDS and a desire to know their HIV status. The majority (77%) underwent VCT after being encouraged by others who knew their status. Ninety five per cent reported sexual encounters, with 337 (49%) engaging in unprotected sex. HIV prevalence was 31% and an HIV-positive status was associated with being female, being over 25 years of age and/or being a farmer. There is a demand for VCT, and the service provides an opportunity for intensive education about HIV/AIDS prevention on a one-to-one basis. It could also be an entry point to prevention and care for those who are infected.
authors.affiliation: Medecins sans Frontieres, Thyolo, Malawi. zachariah@internet.lu
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Zachariah
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Spielmann
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Harries
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Buhendwa
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chingi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008295:Malawi; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012423:Rural Health; D012725:Sexual Behavior