AEGiS-11IAC: Sexual testimonies from a call-in, write-in radio show in Uganda.

11th International AIDS Conference

Vancouver, British Columbia — July 7-12, 1996

Sexual testimonies from a call-in, write-in radio show in Uganda.

Int Conf AIDS 1996 Jul 7-12; 11:488 (abstract no. Pub.D.1327)
Nakku E, Watson C, Meinert L, Mukisa E, Kabatesi D, Tumwesige E, Lugada E, Tifft S; Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda. Fax: 256-41-232-905.

OBJECTIVE: To study sexual practices and perceptions among radio listeners who write or call in to Capital Doctor, a popular weekly radio show on sexual health in central Uganda, an area of high HIV prevalence.

METHODS: Eight hundred letters(487 English; 313 Luganda) and 200 phone calls in 1994-1995 were analysed using word recognition in a flat file data base. Many letters are long accounts of sexual practice, perceived abnormalities of sexual organs and function, and symptoms of STDs; these letters were analysed qualitatively.

RESULTS: Of those giving identifying information, over 60% were male, 75% from Kampala, and most between 17 and 25. Letter writers and callers are eager for information about sexuality, reproductive health, and reassurance about sexual function and safer sex practices. Over 13% of writers and callers ask specifically about HIV/AIDS. Although many males report behaviors to reduce risk of HIV/STD transmission, certain common beliefs run counter to safer sex messages. Beliefs commonly held by males include perceptions that early sex develops the male genitalia and female secondary sexual characteristics and that frequent sex increases penis size and prevents semen build-up, believed to cause backache, insanity, and other problems. Males report beliefs that semen is nutritious to women, and females believe abstinence causes fluid build-up and illness. Mixing of vaginal fluid and semen is perceived very positively, not only for conception; semen confers pleasure to the woman. Males define good sex as multiple short "rounds" of penetration and ejaculation, which may interfere with consistent condom use. In spite of these obstacles, many callers report sincere efforts to prevent HIV infection through the use of condoms and masturbation; these young men seek reassurance from the medical experts on the radio show that these practices will be effective and will not be harmful.

CONCLUSION: AIDS prevention messages in Uganda have informed the public about safer sexual practices but have often not responded to the complex beliefs about sexuality which may hamper the adoption of these practices. In a climate of press freedom, an interactive radio program can fill this need for basic sexuality education and reassurance.

Keywords: AEGIS, Condoms, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Safe Sex, HIV, HIV Infections, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Coitus, Sexuality, Culture, Social Control, Formal, Uganda, Human, Male, Female, ICA11

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