Relationships Between Older Men and Younger Women: Implications for STIs/HIV in Kenya

Abstract

The aim of this study is to contribute to the understanding of motivations for cross-generational relationships and how the perception of risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV affects condom use in Kenya. Eight focus-group discussions were conducted with women and 28 interviews were held with men in four Kenyan towns. Ethnograph 5.0 computer software was used for the analysis of data. Women's primary incentive for engaging in such relationships is financial; men seek sexual gratification. Pressure from peers compels women to find older partners. Although some peers encourage such relationships, other groups, especially wives, same-aged boyfriends, and parents, disapprove of them. Couples are preoccupied by the threat of discovery. STI/HIV risk perception is low, and couples rarely use condoms. Material gain, sexual gratification, emotional factors, and recognition from peers override concern for STI/ HIV risk. Women's ability to negotiate condom use is compromised by age and economic disparities. Programmatic strategies include communicating information about such relationships' STI/HIV risk, promoting consistent condom use, decreasing peer pressure to pursue such relationships, and improving women's access to alternative sources of income.

Is Age Difference Between Partners Associated with Contraceptive Use Among Married Couples in Nigeria?

“…In patrilineal societies, age differences between partners tend to be relatively large, in part because such unions are arranged more frequently than would occur by chance or by the couples' own choices alone. 2,4,5 Although the size of the age difference between partners was negatively associated with contraceptive use in the bivariate analysis, the association was no longer statistically significant after adjustment for women's and couples' characteristics. The reason for this unexpected finding is not apparent and was not explained by additional statistical tests.…”

“…Large age gaps are often accompanied by differences in maturity, life experiences, social position and financial resources, which may make relationships inherently unequal and a source of risk for women's health. [1][2][3][4][5] For instance, asymmetries in age, education and economic circumstances compromise women's ability to negotiate safer sexual behavior. [1][2][3][6][7][8] The studies that have examined associations between partners' age differences and contraceptive behavior have concentrated on adolescent females' nonmarital relationships and on whether protection was used against STIs (especially HIV).…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5] For instance, asymmetries in age, education and economic circumstances compromise women's ability to negotiate safer sexual behavior. [1][2][3][6][7][8] The studies that have examined associations between partners' age differences and contraceptive behavior have concentrated on adolescent females' nonmarital relationships and on whether protection was used against STIs (especially HIV). [1][2][3][4][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] The emphasis on adolescents and on nonmarital relationships may divert attention from more common age asymmetries and from the risks that may exist in such relationships.…”

Sexual and reproductive health of women living with HIV in Southern Brazil

“…For older women, negotiation of condom use is nearly inconceivable in the context of sexual relations. For younger women, difficulty in condom use has been associated with risk perception 45,46 , cultural issues 47 , and difficulty in negotiation of use with older partners 30,48,49,50,51,52 , where the smaller the difference in age, the higher the adherence to condom use. And although there are indications that women who have sex with older men are less inclined to use contraceptive methods 27 , further research is needed on the sexual and reproductive health of women in these relations and how gender inequality issues appear in this context.…”

Economic Status, Informal Exchange, and Sexual Risk in Kisumu, Kenya

“…Many of the popular descriptions of wealthy men or "sugar daddies" in the print, radio, and online media portray them as prosperous businessmen, who offer their female partners large amounts of cash and gifts, including clothing, trips abroad, and jewelry (Illingworth 2004, Evian 2002, Leach and Machakanja 2001, Susman 2000. 4 Several qualitative research studies describe how young women in want or need of financial support seek well-off men as sexual partners, knowing they can acquire more from them (Longfield et al 2004, Rasch et al 2000, Temin et al 1999, Meekers and Calves 1997, McLean 1995.…”