Abstract:

Most strategies for HIV prevention in resource poor environments have not been sustainable due to a requirement for high resource input that generally ignores strengths in the host environments. However, HIV transmission, especially in resource poor settings, is significantly interpersonal and intimate. Generating individual behavior that encourages primary prevention among key actors in the HIV transmission chain is an important factor for transmission prevention. This presentation examines the specifics of behavior that differentiate between “speech” and “action” types and touches on the implications for personal action to terminate the transmission chain.

Methods:
Using the Related Behavior Model, mixed methods analyses, were applied to data from the 2005 MacroInt Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) of reproductive age women in the Republic of Guinea who reported having STI in the preceding 12 months. Using hermeneutic, thematic, factor and alpha analyses, defining variables were selected for the Related Behavior Model constructs. Variables were scored and dichotomized. Logistic regression was then used to determine the relationships of family marital status, knowledge of STI/HIV, knowledge of family planning, family planning discussions and family planning practice to partner notification of STI/HIV.

Results:
Analyses differentiated between “speech” or verbal mode behavior and “action” or none verbal activity. Women who discussed family planning with their husbands were more likely to inform their spouses of their STI/HIV status than those who practiced family planning but did not discuss it with their spouses. Implications for transmission chain termination and prevention program planning are outlined.