HIV counsellors' knowledge, attitudes and vulnerabilities to HIV in Lusaka, Zambia, 1994

The objective of this study was to see how HIV affected counsellors in their personal and professional lives and how they coped. A total of 101 people who were currently working as HIV counsellors were interviewed. Of these, 70 had a relative who had died of HIV, but few had been able to discuss HIV with them. Seventy-two worried about their HIV status but only 24 had had a test. Fifty-three counsellors did not want to know their status. Women counsellors worried because of the sexual behaviour of their partners and often felt unable to discuss HIV with them. Although nearly all were in favour of promoting condoms as protection against HIV transmission only 27 had ever used one. Many HIV counsellors found it difficult to discuss sexual behaviour with their clients. HIV counsellors in Zambia worry about HIV in their personal lives and need continuing confidential support to help them cope with their own worries as well as the anxieties created by the job itself. They need more help and training in discussing issues around sexual behaviour with their clients. Women counsellors, in particular, need support in dealing with their personal sexual life.