Gender Equity and HIV/AIDS Prevention: Comparing Gender Differences in Sexual Practice and Beliefs among Zimbabwe University Students

Abstract

We assess gender differences in HIV prevention knowledge, attitudes and practices with a focus on cultural, sociological, and economic variables. A randomized cross-sectional study was used in order to achieve high participation and broad comparative assessment. An eight-page questionnaire was administered to 933 randomly selected students at the University of Zimbabwe. Survey items addressed sexual decision-making, condom use, limiting sexual partners, cultural power dynamics and access to HIV testing. We found marked gender differences with men reporting beliefs of entitlement to dominate women, an assumed leadership in decision-making concerning condom use and an attitude that when a woman says "no" to sex, really, "it depends." Women acknowledged gender-based cultural attitudes but are much more likely to support women's rights to sexual expression. A multi-faceted approach to gender equity training is needed to challenge men and women to change attitudes and increase social awareness that respects cultural traditions while still inspiring both men and women to champion justice and equality between genders.

Condoms in sub-Saharan Africa

“…The findings for gender presented above are consistent with a model of male control of sexuality that dominates the literature, particularly for southern and eastern Africa, [31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39] but is also discussed by Orubuloye et al 40 based on research in Nigeria. Despite variations in gender and relationship norms and power across ethnic groups and regions, the research literature consistently supports a conclusion that social, cultural, political and gender-power dynamics all constrain women's ability to introduce condoms into their relationships, [31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40] with condom use remaining predominantly under the control of men.…”

“…Despite variations in gender and relationship norms and power across ethnic groups and regions, the research literature consistently supports a conclusion that social, cultural, political and gender-power dynamics all constrain women's ability to introduce condoms into their relationships, [31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40] with condom use remaining predominantly under the control of men. Improving the balance of power in heterosexual relationships through educating women has been promoted as a way to increase condom use.…”

HIV Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Young People in Iran: Findings of a National Population-Based Survey in 2013

“…Young men were much more likely to use a condom compared to young women. This calls for further gender-sensitive condom promotion interventions and could be due to young women’s lower negotiation skills or self-perceived risk of HIV compared to men [ 38 , 39 ]. Moreover, around one-fifth of participants reported having extramarital or pre-marital relationships with a significantly higher prevalence among young men.…”

High HIV sero-prevalence and associated sexual behavioral risk factors among university students in Southeast Nigeria: our experiences from on-campus voluntary counselling and testing centers

“…However, in contrast, this did not confirm as many other reports have noted gender differences in HIV knowledge and awareness among adolescents. A study carried on university adolescents in Zimbabwe reported that men claimed having the right of decision in the use condoms during intercourse [27]. Another study reported that gender differences in favor of males can be directed to: poor education among females, dependency on men and other socio-cultural barrier, all of which contribute to the slope knowledge of HIV/AIDS among young women [28].…”