The Regai Dzive Shiri Project: a cluster randomised controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of a multi-component community-based HIV prevention intervention for rural youth in Zimbabwe – study design and baseline results.
Abstract
Objective: To assess the effectiveness of a community-based HIV prevention intervention for adolescents in terms of its impact on (1) HIV and Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) incidence and on rates of unintended pregnancy and (2) reported sexual behaviour, knowledge and attitudes. Methods: Cluster randomised trial of a multi-component HIV prevention intervention for adolescents based in rural Zimbabwe. Thirty communities were selected and randomised in 2003 to early or deferred intervention implementation. A baseline bio-behavioural survey was conducted among 6791 secondary school pupils (86% of eligibles) prior to intervention implementation. Results: Baseline prevalences were 0.8% (95% CI: 0.6–1.0) for HIV and 0.2% (95% CI: 0.1–0.3%) for HSV-2. Four girls (0.12%) were pregnant. There was excellent balance between study arms. Orphans who made up 35% of the cohort were at increased risk of HIV [age–sex adjusted odds ratio 3.4 (95% CI: 1.7–6.5)]. 11.9% of young men and 2.9% of young women reported that they were sexually active (P
Citation
Tropical Medicine & International Health (2008)13 (10) 1235-1244 [doi:10.1111/j.1365-3156.2008.02137.x]