DETERMINING THE KNOWLEDGE ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES REGARDING HIV

Zimbabwe has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world with 20 % of these aged between 18 and 49 years and the majority being women living with HIV and AIDS. The overall purpose of this study was to identify and describe the major knowledge, attitude and practice related factors militating against effective behaviour change for HIV and AIDS prevention among women aged 18 to 49 years attending Epworth antenatal clinic. The overall attitude towards behaviour change for HIV and AIDS was positive for 58.3% of the subjects. 75% participants demonstrated inappropriate practices that may hinder behaviour change for prevention of HIV and AIDS. Particular areas of weakness pertain to the failure to go for regular HIV testing, engagement in multiple sexual partners as well as unprotected sex. Following the results of this study, it is strongly recommended that nurses working at Epworth Clinic intensify the amount and modes of delivery of health promotion information for behaviour change in the prevention of HIV and AIDS. Simplified innovative strategies appropriate for the clients’ level of education need to be devised.