RISK-FACTORS FOR HIV-INFECTION AT ENROLLMENT IN AN URBAN MALE FACTORYCOHORT IN HARARE, ZIMBABWE

Between March 1993 and March 1995, volunteers at 40 Harare factories w ere interviewed regarding sociodemographic characteristics and behavio r; HIV serostatus was also determined. Among 2,691 men enrolled, HIV p revalence was 19.4%. Prevalence rose 2-fold with each year of age in y oung men (<23 years). In a multivariate logistic model that included s ociodemographic and behavioral variables, compared with those between 25 and 44 years, both younger men (OR = 0.51) and older men (OR = 0.49 ) were less likely to be HIV positive. In addition, marriage (OR = 2.0 1), history of sexually transmitted disease (STD) (genital ulcer, OR = 4.93, urethral discharge OR = 1.75), multiple partners (OR = 1.58), c ash payment for sex (OR = 2.55) and condom use (OR = 1.35) were all in dependent risk factors for HIV infection. Home ownership conferred low er risk, Self-reported condom use was seen as a marker of correct pers onal risk assessment: men who used condoms reported more risk behavior and had a higher prevalence of HIV, either because condom use was not consistent or because infection occurred prior to adoption of condoms . This study confirms established risk factors in a general population sample not selected for high risk of HIV infection, It suggests rapid acquisition of infection among young men and the importance of marria ge (and separation of spouses) as correlates of HIV infection.