Attitudes of the sexually active San men towards the use of the government supplied male condoms in Ghanzi District, Botswana

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research presents findings from a study conducted in Ghanzi District, west of Botswana. The research aimed to explore and make meaning out of the resentment by sexually active San men in the district towards the use of male condoms supplied for free by the government. Findings from the study reveal that there is limited and often erratic condom distribution of the male condom brands. At the same time, the condom promotion interventions applied are also ad-hoc and inadequate. Even though they report to use condoms, most respondents emphasized they have never been taught on how to use condoms. Furthermore, there is also low-risk perception towards HIV and AIDS realised amongst the respondents as well as a strong belief in myths and misconceptions about HIV and AIDS. The major negative attribute about available standard sized condoms is that they are largely too big for their penis sizes. Other reasons were unpleasant condom smell and frequent breakage of the condom during intercourse. Issues relating to gender dynamics also came out of the study and affect the way they use the male condom with their partners. These have led them to not using the condoms correctly and consistently. Accordingly, these findings suggest a low condom usage amongst the study population which correlates with data available regarding increasing HIV incidence rates and high STI rates amongst the males in the district. This calls for more intensified, targeted condom promotions and distribution efforts in this part of Botswana.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University