Effective linkage to HIV care and treatment for all people diagnosed with HIV is crucial if positive treatment outcomes are to be realised. The study used the client records for all those newly diagnosed with HIV through the two entry points for HIV testing between January 2016 and December 2016. The aim of the study was to determine the proportions between the linkages to HIV care and treatment as per entry point for the people diagnosed with HIV at a Norton Health Centre in Zimbabwe. More importantly, the study sought to make recommendations to improve linkage per entry point. This was achieved through determining the proportion of individuals diagnosed with HIV that had documented evidence of linkage to HIV care and treatment by entry point. The study also evaluated the association between the entry point of HIV diagnosis and the linkage to HIV care and treatment.. In total, 239 clients’ records were reviewed who were over the age of 16 years. Overall, 144 (60%) had documented evidence of being linked to HIV care while about 95 (40%) of the client records had no documented evidence of linkage to HIV care. 143(60%) had documented evidence of initiation on antiretroviral therapy (ART) while about 96 (40%) had no documented evidence of initiation on ART. A statistically significant association between entry point for HIV diagnosis and the linkage to HIV care and treatment was demonstrated. A statistically significant higher proportion of females was demonstrated to be linked to HIV care and treatment than for males. The Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) entry point showed higher linkages than OPD and wards entry point. Therefore, there is need to make put measures in place that encourage all clients that are diagnosed with HIV through the various entry points at the health centre to be linked to HIV care and treatment. The study made recommendations based on the findings. It is also recommended that male partners be encouraged to accompany their female expectant partners when attending PMTCT sessions. Youth were found to be lower in terms of linkages and the youth user friendly centre is recommended so as to attract more youths to come for testing. / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

The purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours regarding HIV and AIDS of university in Zimbabwe using the Health Belief Model (HBM) as the theoretical framework. The ultimate aim was to find out how at risk university students were of contracting HIV and AIDS. A quantitative, non-experimental descriptive, explorative and correlational research design was used, using self-designed questionnaires for data collection. Respondents were sampled through systemic stratified random sampling resulting in 403 undergraduate university students. Descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated using SPSS version 21 software program. Most students were knowledgeable about HIV transmission; the prevention of HIV and AIDS and sexual risk behaviours pertaining to HIV transmission. Students also did show positive attitudes towards PLHIV. Most students did not perceive themselves to be at high of contracting HIV and AIDS. Up to 52% who were sexually active had more than one sexual partner. The respondents knew that HIV and AIDS were not treatable but continued to indulge in risky sexual behaviours. Most respondents received information about HIV and AIDS from the media and peers. The findings would assist policy makers, programme planners and educators in developing in developing and implementing programmes to improve the health of university students. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

The purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours regarding HIV and AIDS of university in Zimbabwe using the Health Belief Model (HBM) as the theoretical framework. The ultimate aim was to find out how at risk university students were of contracting HIV and AIDS. A quantitative, non-experimental descriptive, explorative and correlational research design was used, using self-designed questionnaires for data collection. Respondents were sampled through systemic stratified random sampling resulting in 403 undergraduate university students. Descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated using SPSS version 21 software program. Most students were knowledgeable about HIV transmission; the prevention of HIV and AIDS and sexual risk behaviours pertaining to HIV transmission. Students also did show positive attitudes towards PLHIV. Most students did not perceive themselves to be at high of contracting HIV and AIDS. Up to 52% who were sexually active had more than one sexual partner. The respondents knew that HIV and AIDS were not treatable but continued to indulge in risky sexual behaviours. Most respondents received information about HIV and AIDS from the media and peers. The findings would assist policy makers, programme planners and educators in developing in developing and implementing programmes to improve the health of university students. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)