Sexual risk-taking and HIV testing among health workers in Zambia

AIDS Behav. 2007 Jan;11(1):131-6. doi: 10.1007/s10461-006-9091-9.

Abstract

Health workers (N=692) in five Zambian hospitals were interviewed to assess HIV/AIDS risk-taking and status awareness. They comprised of physicians, nurses, clinical officers and paramedics. Only 33% had been tested for HIV and only 24% said their partner had been tested. 26 percent of sexually active respondents had multiple partners; thirty-seven percent of these had not used condoms. Only 60% of respondents believed condoms were effective in preventing HIV. Women were less likely to trust or use condoms even in high-risk relationships. The data suggest a need to develop HIV/AIDS programs for health workers, with emphasis towards gender-based obstacles hampering safer behaviors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • AIDS Serodiagnosis*
  • Adult
  • Condoms
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections / transmission*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Personnel, Hospital / psychology*
  • Risk-Taking*
  • Sexual Behavior*
  • Urban Population
  • Zambia / epidemiology