Document Detail


HIV/AIDS and cultural practices in western Kenya: the impact of sexual cleansing rituals on sexual behaviours.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  18649197     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
This paper reports on an exploratory study examining the role of sexual cleansing rituals in the transmission of HIV among the Luo community in western Kenya. Data were collected using both in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The study population consisted of 38 widows, 12 community elders and 44 cleansers. Data were collected on non-behavioural causes, behavioural causes and behavioural indicators associated with sexual rituals. Content analysis revealed five central themes: the effect of the ritual on sexual behaviours; factors contributing to the continued practice of the ritual, including a sub-theme on the commercialization of the ritual; the inseparable relationship between the sanctity of sex, prosperity and fertility of the land; and the effects of modernization on the ritual, including a sub-theme on the effects of mass media on HIV-prevention awareness campaigns. Causal factors of unchanging sexual behaviours are deeply rooted in traditional beliefs, which the community uphold strongly. These beliefs encourage men and women to have multiple sexual partners in a context where the use of condoms is rejected and little HIV testing is carried out.
Authors:
Rose Ayikukwei; Duncan Ngare; John Sidle; David Ayuku; Joyce Baliddawa; James Greene
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Culture, health & sexuality     Volume:  10     ISSN:  1369-1058     ISO Abbreviation:  Cult Health Sex     Publication Date:  2008 Aug 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2008-07-23     Completed Date:  2008-12-19     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  100883416     Medline TA:  Cult Health Sex     Country:  England    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  587-99     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Moi University-AMPATH Program, Eldoret, Kenya. rayikukwei@gmail.com
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / prevention & control,  psychology,  transmission*
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Ceremonial Behavior*
Cultural Characteristics*
Developing Countries*
Female
Grief
HIV Infections / prevention & control,  psychology,  transmission*
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Hygiene
Kenya
Male
Marriage
Middle Aged
Mortuary Practice
Sex Education
Sexual Behavior*
Socialization
Unsafe Sex
Widowhood*

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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