Hot Spots for Risky Sexual Behavior in Zambia and Zimbabwe: Findings from the PLACE Method

Kavita Singh, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
William Sambisa, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Brian Chandiwana, Biomedical Research & Training Institute
Shungu Munyati, Biomedical Research & Training Institute
Alfred Chingono, Biomedical Research & Training Institute
Sharon Weir, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

This paper presents a topic of particular importance to those working in HIV/AIDS programming. How do we reach those populations at greatest risk for acquiring HIV? Data from PLACE Studies in Zambia and Zimbabwe are presented. In Zambia the PLACE Study focused on two locations where surveillance data indicated that HIV prevalence was particularly high. High rates of new partner acquisition, age mixing and transaction sex were commonly reported, and individuals were most commonly meeting partners in traditional meeting places such as bars and nightclubs. In Zimbabwe the focus was on understanding where young people meet new sexual partners. It was found that they met partners in a variety of “ordinary” locations and less commonly in bars and nightclubs. “Ever had sex” was low for those under 18 but rose drastically at ages 18 and 19 thus yielding insight into needed prevention efforts for those 15-17 and those 18-24.