Determinants of self-perceived risk of HIV infection: population-based observations in Zambia

• Main Author: Mwangala, Sheila Monde
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Subjects: HIV; Socio-demographic factors; Zambia

Background Perception of risk of HIV infection has been suggested to be an important area of study as it can be an assumed to be an indicator of one’s understanding of susceptibility to HIV infection and a precursor to behavioral change, which could determine future decision making regarding risk taking. Studies that have examined perception of HIV risk and its determinants still remain limited. Zambia is among the worst affected countries by the HIV pandemic in the sub-Sahara African region. The prevalence rate is 16.5% among adults aged 15-49 years and unprotected heterosexual intercourse is the main mode of transmission. The demographic health survey in 2002 showed that HIV prevalence is higher in the urban areas (23%) as compared to the rural areas (11%); and higher among women (17.8%) as compared to men (12.6%). Combating the spread of HIV in Zambia may require a deeper understanding of key issues that are driving the pandemic. The way people receive and process information on HIV and AIDS, how they perceive themselves at risk of HIV infection and what actions they take afterwards may be a key element to the effectiveness of the programmes that can be designed or improved to reduce the spread of the disease in the different sub-groups of populations in Zambia. In this study, we set out to investigate the levels of and factors that influence self perception of risk of HIV infection among adults in populations with high HIV prevalence levels. More specifically aimed to investigate the influence of socio-demographic factors, health status indicators and sexual behaviour on self perception of HIV risk. We also intended to assess the assumed relationship between self perception of HIV risk with worry of being HIV infected, the intention to seek Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) and the actual use the VCT service when offered. Methods The data was from a population based survey conducted in 2003 in selected urban and rural areas in Zambia. The survey aimed among other things to generate knowledge on HIV prevalence, distribution of patterns and trends in HIV prevalence over time and impact of HIV on mortality and fertility levels. Information on socio-demography, health status, sexual behaviour, perception 6 of risk of HIV infection and VCT was collected from both men and women. Saliva samples were collected from consenting respondents for anonymous linked HIV testing. This study on perception of risk was limited to analyses of information collected fro