A gendered perspective of a community's perception of microbicide introduction

South Africa is currently experiencing one of the worst HIV/AIDS epidemics in the world. The epidemic features distinctive age and gender distributions, with young women at greatest risk, and overall proportionally more women affected than men. Current HIV prevention strategies are limited as women's risk is frequently derived from their partners' behaviours rather than their own. The development of a microbicide for HIV prevention may offer the possibility of reducing women’s risk of infection in situations where other more effective methods cannot be used. An environment conducive to introducing a microbicide is critical to avoid some of the obstacles that have historically inhibited similar technological innovations. This study, which formed part of a larger qualitative research project, explored local sexual practices as they related to a female-initiated intra-vaginal product and the broader gender and sexual relations that underpin perceptions around possible microbicide use. An understanding of gender related factors is crucial in exploring women's access and ability to use a microbicide. Twenty-two focus groups and 11 in-depth interviews were held with community participants who resided in Langa, Cape Town. Data was analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Respondents expressed keen support for microbicides, underscored by desperation related to the AIDS epidemic and recognition of women's greater risk. Discussions amongst both women and men around microbicide use revealed numerous ways in which a new preventive technology could impact on broader gender relations. Issues around condom use, partner communication, meanings attributed to changes in vaginal moisture levels, covert use, potential for partner discord, and gender-based violence were linked by respondents to the varying ways in which the microbicide could impact on their daily lives. While the microbicide has the potential to "empower" women, inequitable gender relations and other social and economic problems will need to be addressed in order to halt the spread of the AIDS epidemic in South Africa.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Public Health and Family Medicine

Year dc:date.issued

2005

Author dc:creator

• Harries, Jane

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Orner, Phyllis
• Cooper, Di

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/8645

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/8645