Transactional Sexual Relationships, Sexually Transmitted Infection Risk, and Condom Use among Young Black Women in Peri-Urban Areas of the Western Cape Province of South Africa

This study aimed to explore perspectives on the meaning of love and sexual relations amongst young men in KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. Gaining insights into these perspectives will help to understand the sexual behaviors of these young men better and to eventually develop more effective HIV prevention interventions. Focus group discussions were conducted in two study areas using a predetermined semistructured discussion guide. The findings indicate that the phenomenon of romantic relationship try-outs together with the idea of “feeling under pressure” to propose love to more than one woman seem to be accepted practices that often lead to multiple concurrent sexual partners and therefore potentially risky sexual behaviors. The fear of impregnating a woman is seen to be of a more significant concern than acquiring a sexually transmitted infection due to the stigma and embarrassment associated with pregnancy outside marriage. Given these findings, it is recommended that future studies investigate perspectives on sexuality and reproductive health in male populations in great detail prior to the development of behavioral change interventions because failure to do so may hamper well-intended but poorly targeted health interventions.

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An assessment of preliminary food-based dietary guidelines for infants 6–12 months of age in the Little Karoo area of the Western Cape Province of South Africa

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980007249742 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 10 (9) ◽

pp. 869-877 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

J Van der Merwe ◽

L Bourne ◽

D Marais

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Focus Group ◽

Breast Feeding ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Dietary Guidelines ◽

Western Cape ◽

Focus Group Interviews ◽

Western Cape Province ◽

Group Interviews

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to assess mother's/caregiver's understanding, practical application and cultural acceptability of a preliminary set of South African food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) for children aged 6–12 months living in the Little Karoo area of the Western Cape Province.DesignAn observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study design was followed. Focus group interviews, recorded on videotape, were analysed for qualitative data. Quantitative questionnaires measured knowledge and comprehension of guidelines, perceived constraints to compliance with and importance of guidelines as well as socio demographic data prior to the focus group interviews.SettingAfrikaans-, English- and Xhosa-speaking communities of the Little Karoo area of the Western Cape Province of South Africa, including the urban areas of Oudtshoorn, Bongulethu, Bridgton, Toekomsrus and the adjacent rural areas of Dysselsdorp, Calitzdorp, Uniondale, Ladismith and Zoar.SubjectsSixty-four mothers or caregivers to infants 6–12 months of age were included in the sample.ResultsInformation obtained through the questionnaires supported what was said during discussions. Although perceived as important by the majority of respondents, some of the guidelines were not well understood without prior explanation. Such guidelines were those pertaining to meal frequency and cup feeding, while application of the guideline to prolonged breast-feeding seemed the most problematic.ConclusionsThe FBDGs for this age group will have to be supported by extensive and appropriate educational material to be effective when introduced to the public. The fact that the applicability of the guideline to prolonged breast-feeding seemed to be the most problematic is a cause for concern.

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Preference for dry sex, condom use and risk of STI among HIV-negative black women in the Western Cape province, South Africa

South African Journal of Science ◽

10.1590/s0038-23532009000100024 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 105 (1/2) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Priscilla Reddy ◽

Dorina Saleh-Onoya ◽

Sibusiso Sifunda ◽

Delia Lang ◽

Gina Wingood ◽

...

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Black Women ◽

Condom Use ◽

Trichomonas Vaginalis ◽

Male Partner ◽

Multivariate Logistic Regression Model ◽

Western Cape ◽

Neisseria Gonorrhoea ◽

Young Black Women ◽

Relationship Of

The practice of dry sex is reportedly common among young black women in South Africa. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship of women's preference for dry sex with condom use and the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoea (NG) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infections. Between January 2006 and December 2007, 446 women completed a behavioural survey in isiXhosa which assessed demographic information, sexual behaviours, condom use behaviour and other potential correlates. In total, 159 (36.72%) women indicated preferring dry sex. A multivariate logistic regression model indicated that participants who preferred dry sex were more likely to report past STI episodes and to have a partner who also preferred dry sex. The findings indicate that dry sex behaviour was not directly associated with condom use and STI (CT, NG, and TV) prevalence but may have been associated with relationships in which sexual preferences of the male partner were dominant.

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