Investigating the association between HIV and AIDS and polygamy among practising polygamists in Kwazulu-Natal, North Coast area

This study investigated the relationship between HIV and AIDS and polygamy among practicing polygamists by ascertaining risk-levels for HIV-infection, HIV knowledge levels and beliefs towards HIV and AIDS matters. Design: A qualitative research design using a focus group approach. Participants and Setting: Practicing male polygamists were chosen as study population. A total of 56 men participated in the focus group discussions. All men were practicing polygamists aged between 20 and 50 years. An additional three respondents were interviewed separately. Findings and Recommendations: The findings show that polygamists may be at a high-risk of HIV infection, as practicing polygamy did not seem to deter respondents from illicit relationships. Infidelity, and not polygamy necessarily, seemed to be a factor exacerbating the spread of HIV among respondents. Ongoing HIV and AIDS education is suggested for participants who took part in this study, especially with regards to matters of gender inequality. Here, it was suggested that religious organizations and organizations geared specifically towards men have an important part to play in mobilizing and educating individuals and communities on HIV.

Publisher: Stellenbosch University
Year of Publication: 2013