Fall-Diop S, Faty-Ndiaye C; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 2002 Jul 7-12; 14: abstract no. TuPeF5229.
Society for Women and AIDS in Africa, Dakar, Senegal
ISSUES: The main objectives of the research were to identify socio-cultural factors related to sexuality among urban and rural populations in Senega. In particular the research focused on cultural constraints that impact women's ability to negotiate safe sex. DESCRIPTION: The research was both quantitative and qualitative. A survey questionnaire was pre-tested in a rural village after a few adjustments the questionnaire was administered to the 150 participants who were selected for the research. The participants were then divided into six groups of 25 each and these groups were used to form focus groups. LESSONS LEARNED: The findings of the study clearly pointed out that it was necessary to undertake a process of unlearning the existing myths and practices before new awareness about the prevention of the HIV/AIDS epidemic can be successfully brought into a population. In particular, after a 3-month pilot to test new approaches in empowering women to negotiate safe sex, 73% of the women found they could negotiate the use of the female condom successfully. The findings also showed that mere education without a well thought out component on sex education remains inadequate to empower men and women to respond to the epidemic. RECOMMENDATIONS: Sexual and reproductive health and life skills must be incorporated into school curricula if education is to help in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Awareness of epidemic is not enough to change attitudes and behaviors. The dichotomy between appropriate and correct statements made in public and strong personal belief in those statements remains. Appropriate interventions are required to help people reexamine stereotypical attitudes and harmful cultural beliefs and practices. Involvement of men is crucial in lowering the overall incidence rate of HIV infection and male support is crucial for women to be empowered to negotiate safe sex and protect themselves.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Condoms, Female
- Culture
- Disease Outbreaks
- Female
- Gender Identity
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Humans
- Male
- Research
- Safe Sex
- Senegal
- Sex Education
- Sexual Behavior
- Sexuality
- education
Other ID:
UI: 102254190
From Meeting Abstracts