Title: HIV-1 and fertility change in rural Zimbabwe.

POPLINE Document Number: 127796

Author(s):

Gregson S
Zhuwau T
Anderson RM
Chandiwana SK

Source citation:

In: The socio-demographic impact of AIDS in Africa. Based on the conference organized by the Committee on AIDS of the International Union for the Scientific Study of Population (IUSSP) and the University of Natal, Durban, South Africa, 3-6 February 1997. Papers. Liege, Belgium, International Union for the Scientific Study of Population [IUSSP], 1997. :17 p.

Abstract:

This paper considers the demographic effects of HIV-1 epidemics in sub-Saharan African contexts with particular reference to fertility. The authors focus upon identifying possible ways in which an HIV-1 epidemic and responses to it can affect birth rates, through the proximate determinants, and review evidence from a small-scale study in rural Zimbabwe which suggests that early changes are taking place. The net effect of those changes will most likely be an intensification of pre-existing downward pressures upon total fertility. The demographic effects of HIV-1 epidemics upon sub-Saharan African populations can be extensive and complicated. Contemporary fertility trends can have a major influence upon the nature of many of those effects, through population dynamics. Moreover, attitudes and practices related to reproduction can influence the pattern of risk behavior for HIV-1 transmission and the nature of the behavior changes most likely to be adopted. Behavior and biological changes associated with HIV-1 prevention can result in shifts in the proximate determinants of fertility. Additional findings are presented and discussed.

Keywords:

Zimbabwe
Research Report
Rural Population
Fertility Rate
HIV Infections
AIDS
Epidemics
Changes
Africa, Southern
Africa, Sub Saharan
Africa
Developing Countries
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Birth Rate
Fertility Measurements
Fertility
Population Dynamics
Viral Diseases
Diseases
Social Change