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

This 50-page qualitative research study was commissioned by Lusweti Institute of Health and Development in Swaziland to inform HIV prevention interventions designed to reduce multiple and concurrent sexual partnerships (MCP). According to the report, research participants felt that MCP are "bad" as they constitute promiscuous behaviour - even though certain social and cultural norms and values prescribe that men have a right to have more than one sexual partner. The research showed that both men and women are involved in MCP.

Dissatisfaction in relationships emerged as one of the major reasons that people become involved in MCP. Respondents said there is often limited or no sexual pleasure and a lack of communication in their primary relationships. Poverty and materialism were also identified as driving factors, where people with no money exchange sex for money or material goods. According to respondents, others become involved in MCP as it gives them elevated status among their peers. The research identified culture and certain social norms as major contributors to the practice of MCP. Culture promotes male dominance and looks on men who have more than one partner as virile and "manly". Alcohol emerged as another contributing factor to multiple sexual partners. Mobile workers, such as truck drivers, were identified as the group most involved in MCP.

The research identifies the following strategies for dealing with MCP and combating the spread of HIV:

• Promote HIV testing and use of condoms: Truck drivers felt they would not be able to change their behaviour because of the nature of their work, but said that they could practise safe sex if they were provided with condoms. Women in the study said that men do not want to use protection and are reluctant to test for HIV.
• Revisit cultural practices and beliefs: Respondents expressed the need to review cultural practices and beliefs in the light of the HIV epidemic, including polygamy, wife inheritance, forced or arranged marriages, and gender inequalities.
• Promote respect and faithfulness: Respondents felt strongly that people must change their sexual practices and start to be faithful to one partner.
• Openness and communication: Respondents expressed the opinion that partners should learn to communicate with each other about all aspects of a relationship so as to overcome dissatisfaction in relationships.

Recommendations outlined in the report include the following:

• There is a need to transform Swazi society in order to deal with the challenges posed by MCP and HIV and AIDS. Social change campaigns need to be intensified in order to reach all levels of society in an effort to overcome customs and traditions that hinder progress and expose people to HIV and AIDS.
• Government and other stakeholders must put more effort into alleviating poverty in order for people not to engage in MCP as a means of livelihood.
• Interventions that seek to build people’s self esteem need to be put in place to help youth develop the skills that will enable them to resist established practice and see MCP as a risky behaviour even beyond HIV and AIDS.
• Media interventions need to address issues of communication about sexual matters between partners. There is a need to "de-taboo" sex talk to allow free and open discussion.
• Interventions that promote gender equality should be strengthened and should extend to men.
• Army recruits should be allowed to have houses and live with their spouses like other forces such as the police.