A study to determine how cultural practices and beliefs influence the spread of HIV/AIDS, Lusaka.

Abstract

The study sought to determine how cultural practices and beliefs influence the spread of HIV/AIDS in Lusaka urban. The objectives of the study were to: examine how gender roles make girls and women vulnerable to HIV/AIDS, establish the actual significance of sex education in the spread of HIV/AIDS, explore the risks of HIV infection in the marriage patterns, establish the role of other forms of sex union in the spread of HIV/AIDS.A cross sectional study was carried out from July to August 2000, in Lusaka urban. The researcher divided the eight health zones in Lusaka into four areas (i.e. two zones per area). Matero Girls, Kabulonga Girls, Satung Modern and Arackan Secondary Schools, were randomly selected from the four areas. An open-ended interview questionnaire and focus group guide were used to collect data. Quantitative and qualitative data techniques were used to analyse data. The results revealed that several cultural practices are taught during initiation i.e. sex education lessons (e.g. dry sex, pulling labia minora), Gender roles (e.g. obedience, respect and submission), marriage patterns (e.g. polygamy and spouse inheritance) and Sexual unions (e.g. sexual cleansing).