The influence of motivational messages on future planning behaviors among HIV concordant positive and discordant couples in Lusaka, Zambia

Abstract

In Zambia the HIV/AIDS epidemic has resulted in many single female-headed households. Strong patriarchal laws and customs prevent widows and children from maintaining economic assets. This study examines the impact of a video-based motivational intervention promoting future planning in 1,504 HIV-infected couples in Lusaka, Zambia. Following a group video session, couples randomized to the motivational arm could choose to write a will, identify a guardian for their children and make financial plans. Desirable behaviours modelled in the motivational video were measured at quarterly intervals for a year and compared in intervention and control arms. Demographic measures including age, income and educational status were not associated with planning behaviours. Participation in the intervention was associated with will writing (23% versus 5%) and naming a guardian (32% versus 17%) but not with other planning behaviours. The study demonstrates the ability of motivational messages integrated into HIV VCT to encourage future planning behaviour and points to the need to expand existing HIV and VCT services to meet other non-health needs of those living with HIV.

Acknowledgements

This study has been funded in whole or in part with federal funds from the US National Institutes of Health, under grants RO1 HD 40125, RO1 MH 66767, RO1 AI 40951, U2 GPS 000758, the Fogarty AIDS International Training and Research Program (AITRP) FIC 2D43 TW001042, the Social & Behavioral Core of the Emory Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) P30 AI050409, and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI). Appreciated Appreciated is expressed to teh staff and study participants of the Zambia-Emory HIV Research Project.