Objective: Recent evidence suggests that HIV incidence may be declining in Lusaka, Zambia. We investigated whether there were any changes in the levels of casual sex and condom use in Lusaka between 1996 and 1999.
Methods: We analyze data from sexual behavior surveys conducted in Lusaka in 1996 and 1999. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess trends in casual sex and condom use, net of other factors.
Results: There were significant declines in casual sex between 1996 and 1999 (p<0.01), because of reductions in casual sex among men and women who were not involved in marital or regular, non-marital partnerships. Respondents with higher socio-economic status reported significant declines in casual sex. However, condom use did not increase among women or men. Among men, condom use increased after we controlled for exposure to condom brand advertising (p<0.10). This finding suggests that, had levels of condom brand advertising not declined, condom use would have increased.
Conclusions: Large reductions in casual sex occurred in Lusaka between 1996 and 1999, because of changes in behavior among those not in marital or regular partnerships. These findings are consistent with results from HIV seroprevalence surveys, which show declining HIV prevalence levels in Lusaka during the 1990s. The findings also indicate that condom brand advertising is associated with higher condom use.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1) list factors that have contributed to very high HIV levels in Southern Africa 2) describe the ways in which changes in these risk factors have occurred in Zambia during the 1990s
Keywords: HIV Risk Behavior, Poverty
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.