Knowledge level on Hiv/Aids among the rural population in Gutu district, Zimbabwe

This study investigated HIV/AIDS knowledge among rural adults and adolescents in Zimbabwe. Specifically, the study explored the respondents’ knowledge about the transmission, prevention and curability of HIV/AIDS. The ultimate objective of the study was to assess the extent to whichrural people understand HIV/AIDS so as to determine the appropriate enlightenment programme to be suggested to the rural communities. The survey research design was adopted for the study because of its convenience and relevance. Data were collected from 150 respondents randomly selected from rural areas in Gutu District in Zimbabwe. A modified form of a questionnaire designed by Zimet, Hillier, Anglin, Ellick, Krowchuk and Williams (1991) and follow up interviews were the instruments used to assess the respondents’ knowledge of HIV/AIDS. Thefindings demonstrated that most people in the rural areas, especially adults, lack adequate knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Many believe that HIV/AIDS can be contracted through casual contact such as sharing the same toothbrush. Others also believe that medical doctors and sometraditional herbs can cure AIDS if the disease is detected early enough. One of the major recommendations is that there should be rigorous AIDS campaigns in rural areas, focusing on disseminating information on AIDS, inculcating safe sex attitudes, availing free condoms and establishing more health centres and AIDS-testing centres which are virtually non-existent in rural areas of many developing countries