Knowledge of HIV Prevention Methods among Adolescents

Adolescents continue disproportionately face the impact of HIV and AIDs infections across the world generally and in Sub Saharan Africa in particular. One of these issues is the increasing rates of HIV prevalence and incidence rates over the years. This results from low uptake of HIV prevention services. Adolescents in high density urban areas are prone to several factors that hinder their access to HIV prevention services. Thus, the study sought to unearth factors that determine the accessibility of HIV prevention services among adolescents in Dzivarasekwa District. Qualitative and qualitative research methods were triangulated. A total of 500 questionnaires were administered to adolescents aged 15-19 years to collect quantitative data. The study also conducted 10 Focus group discussions and 20 Key informant interviews to solicit qualitative data. The findings showed that, a significant number of adolescents were engaging in sexual activities. Adolescents were aware of most of HIV prevention methods: however their knowledge was not being translated into utilization of these methods. This was influenced by a lot of factors at individual, interpersonal, organization, community and national levels. Low uptake of prevention services was mainly attributed to high cost, low awareness, lack of proper knowledge about the benefits of the services. Recommendations were also offered to service on how HIV prevention services uptake can be improved amongst adolescents.