Determinants of HIV Testing Among Sexually Active Young People in Zambia

This study used data from the 2013 Zambia Demographic Health Survey (ZDHS) based on a nationally representative sample carried out by Central Statistical Office of Zambia. This paper analyzed a special module designed to collect information on the extent of the uptake of HIV testing by sexually active young people in Zambia. The analysis of this paper is based on 1879 young women aged 15-19 and 2747 aged 20-24 years respectively. Their male counterparts were 1675 aged 15-19 and 2005 aged 20-24 years. Overall 84% of females and 57% of males reported having tested for HIV. Regression analysis further showed that age, place of residence, work status, educational level, consistency of condom use and number of sex partners were significantly related to the uptake of HIV testing for both female and male participants. Young sexually active people should be availed affordable educational opportunities which in turn will hopefully accord them to viable economic opportunities. The media exposure to the young men and women should preach consistent condom use as well as a reduction in their sexual partners.Key Words: HIV testing; Sexually active; Condom use; Prevalenc

Domestic Violence and Sexual Health among Young Women in Zambia

This paper aims at describing the prevalence and correlates of domestic violence, and evaluating their associations with key health outcomes among Zambian young females aged 15–24 years.Data from the 2007 Zambia Demographic Health Survey was utilized. The survey was carried out by Central Statistical Office with the technical assistance from Macro International through MEASURE DHS programme. The 2007 ZDHS is based on a nationally representative sample of 7146 ever married women of 15-49 age group covering 320 Standard Enumeration Areas (clusters). In this paper, the data analysis was only restricted to young women aged 15-24.The results show that among the various forms of violence against women, 22% of the women faced sexual violence, followed by emotional violence (21%) and physical violence (16%). The results further revealed  that age, religion, educational level, working status, condom use during last sex and had any STDs in the last 12 months, had genital sores/ulcers in the last 12 months were the most prominent factors significantly explaining variation in the prevalence of physical, emotional and sexual violence. Domestic violence is a complex societal scourge which is unlikely to be attributed to one single determinant.Keywords: Domestic Violenc

Gender Differentials in Consistent Condom Use among Young People in Zambia

The aim of this paper is to determine socio-economic and demographic factors that influence gender differentials in consistent use of condoms among young people in Zambia. Data for this paper were collected from a household questionnaire that was administered to sexually active youth (N=3554) between the ages of 15-24 during the 2013 Demographic Health survey. Cross tabulation and chi-square results revealed a relationship between age, gender, place of location, socio-economic background, employment status, level of education media exposure, alcohol consumption and perceived risk of contracting HIV with the consistent use of condoms. For females, regression analyses revealed that wealth status, work status, educational level and drinking alcohol were positively associated with reporting consistent use of condoms. For males, age, work status, educational level, perceived risk of contracting HIV and drinking alcohol are associated with increased likelihood of reporting consistent condom use within the last 6 months.Key Words: Gender Differentials, Condom use, Youth, Zambi

Family Domestic Violence: Impact on Children in Lusaka, Zambia

Aim: To explore the experiences of children exposed to domestic violence in Lusaka District, Zambia. Study Design: A qualitative exploratory approach was adopted for this study. Place and Duration of the Study: The study took place in Lusaka district over a period of 8 months. The study population included domestic violence survivor children and their parents. The study sample consisted of fifty-two participants divided into thirty children (boys and girls), sixteen parents or guardians, and six key informants. Data was collected using detailed interviews with children and key informants, while focus group discussions were conducted with the parents or guardians. Results: The findings of the study revealed that children were exposed to different forms of domestic violence including physical abuse, emotional (verbal) abuse, and economic abuse. The children were both witnesses and victims of domestic violence. The study also revealed that exposure to violence had negative effects on the children such as physical injury, fear and anxiety, loss of confidence and self-esteem, academic under performance, guilt and shame, and poor relationships with peers and parents. Conclusion and Recommendations: Domestic violence is still prevalent in Lusaka District and has negative long-term effects on children who witness it and are victimised by it. Interventions are necessary to address the size, nature, and complexity of the problem. It is recommended that professionals who have regular contact with families and children, including teachers, child care workers, health and mental health care providers, law enforcement officers, child welfare workers, and court officials should receive ongoing training on domestic violence and its impact on children, and necessary interventions to combat it

Bride Price (Lobola) and Gender-based Violence among Married Women in Lusaka

Background: This study investigated the influence of lobola, a payment made for marriage, on gender-based violence among married women in Lusaka’s Kamanga compound. Specifically, the study sought to establish how married women and men perceived lobola in relation to gender-based violence in marriage. Method: The study used the qualitative research method. Participants in the study included eighteen married women and men. In addition, in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide were conducted with five key informants. Results: The findings from the study suggest that paying lobola translated into buying a wife and as such, a wife became a husband’s property. Lobola gave the man or husband powers to treat his wife as he wished, including subjecting her to sexual and other forms of abuse. This seems to take away a wife’s rights to make decisions on matters that affected her own life such as being restricted in her movements, in choosing what to wear, and depriving her of a claim over her children among others. Conclusion: The study recommends that the Ministries of Justice and Gender and the Local Government should look deeply into the issue of paying lobola and correct the practice by deterring or reprimanding those who do adhere to its significance. Civil society should also lobby government to enact appropriate laws and policies to deal with patriarchy and help married women to enjoy their rights as human beings

Implementing internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (moodgym) for African students with symptoms of low mood during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative feasibilty study

Background: Online therapies have been shown to be effective in improving students’ mental health. They are cost-effective and therefore have particular advantages in low-income countries like Zambia where mental health resources are limited. This study aimed to explore the perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the feasibility of implementing an Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT) intervention (‘moodgym’) to improve resilience in vulnerable Zambian students. Methods: The study was a qualitative interview study. Participants identifying as having symptoms of low mood and completing a baseline, online survey (n = 620) had the option to volunteer for a semi-structured interview to explore views about their experience of the pandemic and the acceptability and perceived benefits and limitations of using moodgym. Results: A total of 50 students (n = 24 female, n = 26 male) participated in the study. One theme with 4 sub-themes, captured the severe emotional and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. A second, very strong theme, with 5 sub-themes, reflected the considerable negative effects of the pandemic on the students’ educational experience. This included the challenges of online learning. The third theme, with three subthemes, captured the benefits and acceptability of moodgym, particularly in terms of understanding the relationship between thoughts and feelings and improving academic performance. The fourth theme described the technical difficulties experienced by students in attempting to use moodgym. Conclusion: COVID-19 caused fear and impacted wellbeing in vulnerable students and severely impaired the quality of students’ educational experience. The findings suggest that moodgym might be a valuable support to students in a low-income country