AI Article Synopsis

  • The Microbicides Development Programme conducted research in rural KwaZulu-Natal to explore gender relations and their impact on female-initiated HIV prevention methods like microbicides.
  • Eleven focus groups comprising men and women discussed decision-making related to sex, family planning, and condom use in heterosexual contexts.
  • The findings indicate that women typically have the final say on child-bearing and contraceptive use, suggesting that couples may be open to adopting women-initiated methods for HIV prevention.

Article Abstract

As part of the Microbicides Development Programme, we conducted formative research to explore gender relations at a site in rural KwaZulu-Natal. We were interested in gender relations and in assessing their implications for emerging female initiated and controlled HIV prevention methods in the form of microbicides. Eleven focus group discussions were conducted with men and women in the community. Participants were asked about decision making about sex, family planning and the use of condoms in heterosexual relationships. Findings suggest that gender relations in the context of HIV are complex. The findings suggest that both men and women feel that the final decision about child-bearing and the use of contraceptives and rests with women since they are the ones who bear the burden of child care. This implies that it is feasible for couples to use women-initiated and controlled methods of HIV prevention.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09540120701203923DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

gender relations
16
relations context
8
hiv prevention
8
men women
8
gender
4
context hiv/aids
4
hiv/aids rural
4
rural south
4
south africa
4
africa microbicides
4

Similar Publications

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!