Risk factors for HIV among Zambian street youth

ABSTRACT

The sub-Saharan African region has been disproportionately affected by HIV and Zambia has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates within this region. Moreover, new incidences of HIV infection are increasing most rapidly among those 15–24 years of age. Though young people are at high risk for HIV infection, street youth are even more vulnerable given their exposure to high-risk behaviors. The current study examines multiple levels of social influence on HIV infection among 250 street youth in Zambia. Results reveal that though the majority of youth understand what behaviors increase their risk for HIV, youth still hold many misconceptions about HIV/AIDS. Additionally, youth who do not have a home to return to and those who report parental drug misuse were significantly more likely to be HIV positive. This study underscores the need for further education among street youth regarding HIV knowledge.

KEYWORDS:

• community
• family
• HIV
• peers
• street youth
• Zambia

Acknowledgments

We thank the following people for their participation in this research: Ms. Rose Mtonga, Zambia Alcohol Development Program, Zambia; Mr. Pearson Chilema, Zambia Drug Enforcement Commission, Zambia; and Dr. Clement Gondwe, KS Research Laboratory, University Teaching Hospital, Zambia. Without their help, this study would not be possible.