HIV/AIDS health literacy in Zimbabwe--focus group findings from university students.
OBJECTIVE
This qualitative study was designed to assess program needs and evaluate and improve HIV/AIDS prevention efforts at the University of Zimbabwe.


METHODS
We conducted eight focus group discussions with 70 students and conducted key informant interviews with formal and informal opinion leaders. Four mixed-sex focus group discussions, two all-female, and two all-male sessions were held.


RESULTS
We found a pervasive sense of despondency and powerlessness among students. Consistent across focus groups, but particularly within the women's groups, respondents revealed that financial and accommodation needs and peer pressure were causing many male and female students to engage in prostitution. Focus group discussions also revealed condom use with regular partners is low and that students dating partners who are employed find it hard to insist on condom use in the relationship.


CONCLUSIONS
Participants stated programs had positively influenced their reduction in the number of sexual partners and intentions to get tested for HIV.
Terry
P E
PE
Park Nicollet Institute, 3800 Park Nicollet Boulevard, Minneapolis, MN 55416, USA. terryp@parknicollet.com
Masvaure
T B
TB
Gavin
L
L
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000328:Adult; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010379:Peer Group; D015397:Program Evaluation; D036301:Qualitative Research; D021841:Safe Sex; D040241:Social Marketing; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D014495:Universities; D015030:Zimbabwe