Varga C; International Conference on AIDS.

Int Conf AIDS. 2000 Jul 9-14; 13: abstract no. ThPeD5597.

C. Varga, Australian National University, 1 Temba, 10 Moore Grove, Durban, 4001, South Africa, Tel.: +27 31 202 8106, Fax: +27 31 260 2632, E-mail: varga@mtb.und.ac.za

Background: In response to one of the fastest growing HIV epidemics worldwide, South African young people's sexual culture is in rapid transition. This paper draws on data from a recently completed study among Zulu youth to illustrate such shifts. Trends in factors such as the role of sex in relationships, condom symbolism and use, and notions of correct sexual comportment are explored. Implications for HIV-related (sexual) behavior change and structuring of intervention efforts are discussed. Methods: The study was undertaken in a rural and an urban community among male and female youth aged between 11 and 24 years. Data were collected using narrative research method (youth workshops (n = 3) and a questionnaire (n = 683)), a series of focus group discussions (n = 12), and in-depth interviews (n = 36). Results: While youth are keenly aware of HIV/AIDS and its seriousness on a community level, trends are mixed regarding the extent to which concern over potential infection has led to changes in their sexual culture. In some respects, such as the progressive de-stigmatization of condom use, there appears to be a serious commitment to creating a safe sex environment. Other aspects, such as emphasis on unprotected sex as a marker of love, remain largely unchanged. Rural youth were significantly more likely to maintain traditional notions of correct sexual comportment and less willing to change their sexual practices. Conclusions: While Zulu youths' socio-sexual culture has changed markedly in recent years, the transition is uneven and contradictory. While the groundwork for behavior modification has been laid, adherence to certain sexual norms militates against sustained change. Intervention efforts should target rural youth in particular.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• Adolescent
• Behavior
• Condoms
• Culture
• Demography
• Female
• HIV Infections
• HIV Seropositivity
• Hemagglutination Tests
• Humans
• Male
• Safe Sex
• Unsafe Sex
• education
• ethnology
• organization & administration

Other ID:

• GWAIDS0004726

UI: 102242223

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