“Knowledge I seek because culture doesn’t work anymore … It doesn’t work, death comes”: The experiences of third generation female caregivers (“gogos”) in South Africa discussing sex, sexuality and HIV and AIDS with children in their care
Abstract Background Sexual reproductive health communication between parents and children has been shown to promote safer sexual choices. Where third generation female caregivers, often grandmothers or other older females, commonly called gogos in South Africa, are primary care givers, the responsibility of talking about sex and related issues has shifted to them. This study explored the experiences of gogos in Alexandra, Johannesburg, talking about sex, sexuality and HIV and AIDS with the children in their care aged 10-18 years. Methods Ten primary caregivers were purposively sampled. Data were collected through in-depth individual interviews. Thematic analysis was performed and inductive codes and themes identified. Results All gogos sampled found it difficult to discuss sex, sexuality and HIV and AIDS due to culture and traditional values impacting on personal experiences and generation and gender barriers. Perceived low self-efficacy due to low levels of knowledge and limited skills in speaking about sex and HIV and AIDS also contributed to the low levels of sexual reproductive health communication. Conclusions This study highlights the need for interventions that focus on improving gogos’ knowledge about HIV and AIDS in addition to providing them with the skills to talk about sex, sexuality and HIV and AIDS with children in their care.