title: Change over time (2007-2009) in HIV preventive behaviours, evidence from two serial population-based surveys in rural Zimbabwe.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess reported HIV knowledge and attitudes, sexual behaviours and HIV testing in Zimbabwe.
  
  
  METHODS
  Representative household surveys of all 18-24 year olds and a proportion of 25-44 year olds were conducted in six purposefully selected rural districts in two provinces in 2007 and 2009. Both surveys used the same methods and questionnaires. We compared differences in reported HIV knowledge, sexual behaviours and HIV testing, controlling for differences in socio-demographics at baseline, using cross-tabulations and multivariate regression analyses.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Analysis was restricted to districts included in both baseline (n = 1891) and mid-term (n = 2746) surveys. Comparisons indicate increased reports of HIV knowledge (35%vs. 22% had high knowledge) and more favourable individual attitudes towards HIV. There was an increase in reported HIV testing (men: 41%vs. 31%, women: 55%vs. 36%) and condom use (men: adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.35, women: AOR = 1.22) and a decrease in number of sexual partners (men: 67%vs. 49% reported 1 partner/previous 6 months, women: 77%vs. 68%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  As Zimbabwe continues to document declines in HIV prevalence, this analysis offers insight into recent and continuing positive changes in knowledge, attitudes and behaviours among the rural population.
authors.affiliation: University College London, Centre for Sexual Health and HIV Research, London, UK.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Langhaug
authors.forename: Raluca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Buzdugan
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Copas
authors.forename: Jeffrey
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dirawo
authors.forename: Clemens
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Benedict
authors.forename: Oscar
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Mundida
authors.forename: Sunday
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Manyenya
authors.forename: Godfrey
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Woelk
authors.forename: Frances
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cowan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006678:HIV / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult; D015030:Zimbabwe