Women's cultural perspectives on reasons for HIV / AIDS prevalence in a rural area of the Kwazulu-Natal province of South Africa

Abstract

he transmission of HIV through sexual intercourse remains a challenge, especially where women are not able to negotiate the use of condoms. KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province has the highest globally reported antenatal HIV prevalence. In this study, women in a rural area of Msinga in KZN were aware of the dangers of having unprotected sex with men who had many sex partners, but could not demand that their husbands / partners use condoms as polygamy, as well as the practice of having many sex partners, reportedly remains culturally acceptable in this area. Methodology : A focus group interview, conducted with 12 women, deliberated on their perceived reasons for the continued spread of HIV / AIDS in the study area despite the availability of much information on the prevention of HIV / AIDS. Results : The participating women knew about the dangers of unprotected sex, but were not in a position to insist that their husbands / partners, use condoms. Despite their HIV / AIDS knowledge, these women did not disapprove of their husbands / partners' multiple sex partners; and accepted "widow inheritance" by widowers' brothers as a cultural reality. Recommendations : Health education messages should incorporate cultural and traditional realities. Men should be targeted for health education messages. Women need to be economically empowered and financially independent of their husbands / partners before they can insist on their partners' condom use. The prevention of HIV / AIDS requires practices and solutions that will not interfere with cultural customs.