PLACE in Zimbabwe: Identifying Gaps in HIV Prevention among Orphans and Young People in Hwange District, 2006

Author(s): Singh K, Sambisa W, Munyati S, Chandiwana B, Chingono A, Mahati S, Mashange W

Year: 2008

Abstract:
The Priorities for Local AIDS Control Efforts (PLACE) method is a methodological tool to identify areas where HIV transmission is most likely to occur, and, within these areas, to identify gaps in prevention programs. In Zimbabwe, the PLACE method was used to understand what risk factors are putting adolescent girls (orphans and non-orphans) and young women 18-24 years of age at risk of acquiring HIV. Because there is an indication that men may sexually abuse adolescent girls in their homes and because it was believed that some adolescent girls may not frequent public places, a household survey was added to the PLACE method. Community informants listed 357 public venues were people, particularly young people, meet new partners. Individual interviews were conducted at selected venues among a sample of 592 males and 516 females. Data were stratified by type of venue – “nightlife/drinking sites” (bars, hotels, etc.), “open-transport related sites” (schools, churches, boreholes, etc.) and “events/private or hidden sites” (sporting events, concerts, weddings, tea parties). In the household survey that was added to the PLACE method, an additional 538 girls aged 12-17 years old were interviewed. Based on findings from the study, programmatic recommendations were made to help improve HIV prevention efforts.