Vaginal Cleansing Practices in HIV Infected Zambian Women

Abstract

Vaginal practices are a variety of behavioral techniques that women use to manage their sexual life and personal hygiene. Women perceive vaginal practices as a beneficial practice. However, vaginal cleansing has been identified as one of the main risk factors for bacterial vaginosis and is potentially implicated in Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infection transmission. This study examined the prevalence of vaginal practices and the types of practices used among a sample of HIV positive women living in Lusaka, Zambia. Over 90% of all women recruited engaged in vaginal practices. Certain practices, such as use of water or soap, were more frequently used for hygiene reasons. Herbs and traditional medicines were mainly used to please sexual partner. Strategies to decrease VP appear urgently needed in the Zambian community.

Examining Targets for HIV Prevention: Intravaginal Practices in Urban Lusaka, Zambia

“…Preliminary data for this study identified individual beliefs and practices in this community and has previously been published. 15 Three focus groups consisting of ten women each and one focus group of ten men were conducted by gender-matched female and male facilitators. Key informant interviews with three female Alengizis were conducted by a female interviewer.…”

“…IVP that include insertion of products to promote dry sex leads to genital abrasions that can facilitate HIV acquisition and transmission. 3,4,7,8,[13][14][15] IVP are strongly influenced by social and cultural beliefs, introduced to women at an early age, and normally taught by older females (relatives, friends, or traditional marriage counselors). 15,16 Although IVP are female initiated and intended to be conducted without the explicit knowledge of men, many IVP are driven by male preferences.…”

“…3,4,7,8,[13][14][15] IVP are strongly influenced by social and cultural beliefs, introduced to women at an early age, and normally taught by older females (relatives, friends, or traditional marriage counselors). 15,16 Although IVP are female initiated and intended to be conducted without the explicit knowledge of men, many IVP are driven by male preferences. 12,15,16 Zambia is a country severely affected by the HIV epidemic, and the prevalence of HIV in women is as high as 35%.…”

“…15,16 Although IVP are female initiated and intended to be conducted without the explicit knowledge of men, many IVP are driven by male preferences. 12,15,16 Zambia is a country severely affected by the HIV epidemic, and the prevalence of HIV in women is as high as 35%. 17 In this country, IVP are common and the practice of dry sex has been reported among nearly 50% of women.…”

“…17 In this country, IVP are common and the practice of dry sex has been reported among nearly 50% of women. 15,18 Despite growing concerns about the potential harm of IVP, little is known about the social and cultural norms and beliefs in urban Zambia regarding various types of practices, or about the role of traditional female counselors, ''Alengizis,'' in promoting these practices.…”