Couples' communication on sexual and relational issues among the Akamba in Kenya
Abbreviated Journal Title
AJAR-Afr. J. Aids Res.
Keywords
determinants of health; East Africa; gender issues; health; communication; HIV/AIDS; HIV prevention; marriage; relationships; safer; sex; PREVENTION STRATEGIES; DISCORDANT COUPLES; HIGH-RATES; HIV; BEHAVIOR; AFRICA; DISCLOSURE; ATTITUDES; HIV/AIDS; UGANDA; Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Abstract
A large portion of HIV transmission in sub-Saharan Africa occurs among married couples, yet the majority of research on safer-sex communication has focused on communication between couples in casual relationships. This paper explores how committed Kamba couples in Machakos District, Kenya, communicate about sensitive relational issues. The findings from focus group discussions with five groups of males and five groups of females are presented. The couples freely shared their thoughts about daily and economic issues and certain aspects of family planning and sexuality. Methods for raising sensitive issues with partners included monitoring the spouse's mood, gradual or indirect revelation, mentioning topics during sex, and use of third-party intermediaries. Interference by extended family members, especially husbands' mothers, and male authoritarian roles emerged as hindrances to effective communication between couples. The implications for HIV prevention regarding gender differences and the role of families in couples' communication are discussed.
Journal Title
Ajar-African Journal of Aids Research
Volume
8
Issue/Number
1
Publication Date
1-1-2009
Document Type
Article
Language
English
First Page
51
Last Page
60
WOS Identifier
ISSN
1608-5906
Recommended Citation
"Couples' communication on sexual and relational issues among the Akamba in Kenya" (2009). Faculty Bibliography 2000s. 1909.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/facultybib2000/1909
Comments
Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at STARS@ucf.edu