Exploring enablers of sexually transmitted infections among illegal gold miners in the midlands region of Zimbabwe

Abstract

Generally, mineworkers are considered a population at risk for HIV and sexually transmitted diseases, due to risk behaviours associated with migratory work patterns. SubSaharan Africa faces by far the highest rate of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Zimbabwe, like any other country in the sub-Saharan region of Africa, has been affected by the epidemic of HIV/AIDS and other STIs; because of poor sexual health education. Several contributing factors have been suggested to explain reasons for the high prevalence of STIs in mining districts, in the sub-Saharan regions of Africa. This includes factors such as cultural status, lack of male circumcision, migration, untreated sexually transmitted infections because of stigma and multiple sexual relationships. Men who stay away from their sexual partners due to migration from their hometowns to the mines are more likely to have additional sexual partners and are therefore more likely to be expose to HIV and STIs. STIs are a major global cause of acute illness, infertility, long-term disability and death with serious ABSTRACT