Multiple and Concurrent Sexual Partnerships in Zambia: A Target Audience Research Report

This 52-page report, conducted by Zambia Centre for Communication Programmes, documents a study conducted in Zambia that aimed to gain insight into the community's views, feelings, beliefs, attitudes, behaviours, and experiences around multiple concurrent sexual relationships (MCP) and male circumcision in the context of HIV prevention. A total of 16 focus group discussions and 12 in-depth interviews were conducted. The research showed that MCP was common among Zambians irrespective of age, marital status, or geographical location.

According to the report, reasons for MCP included poverty, mobility, upbringing, alcohol, peer influence, traditional cultural practices, and gender norms. Another reason sited was circumcision as circumcised men believe they are protected against HIV infection. In addition, mistrust, suspicion, misunderstandings and mistreatment, sexual dissatisfaction, as well as the desire to marry or have children were all reported to contribute to MCP. Although the study notes that people were generally aware of HIV-related risks and prevention, and therefore identified MCP as high risk, unprotected sex is common. Fatalistic attitudes and misconceptions around condom and ARV use were also contributing factors.

The study includes three key recommendations for health and development communications initiatives:

• Strategic communication: Communication around MCP needs to be well researched in terms of content so that it addresses the needs of people engaged in the practice in a realistic way. Initiatives may need to be designed for particular communities, rather than communicating to the general population.
• Strategic alliances: Alliances with government, social and medical providers, and NGOs are needed in order to foster a holistic approach to MCP.
• Sustained interventions: Both communication and other interventions need to be sustained over time to be effective. This relates to communication initiatives in particular as behaviour change is a long-term process.

The report concludes that dealing with the issue of multiple concurrent partnerships in an effort to reduce HIV prevalence is not an easy task owing to the many factors that drive the existence of this type of partnership. Therefore, programmes designed to address MCP must take into account the fact that MCP has personal, community, social, political, cultural, economic, and medical dynamics. As such, there is a need to consider ways of linking initiatives to other interventions addressing the problem of MCP.

Note: This document is no longer available online. Please use contact details below to request a copy. Or see Related Summaries below for the Regional Report.