14th International AIDS Conference Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. MoOrE1116)

Chinake H, Dunbar M, van der Straten A, Esim S, Makunike B, Vere A, Padian N
University of Zimbabwe- University of California Collaborative Research Programme in Women's Health, Harare, Zimbabwe

BACKGROUND: Studies indicate that many adolescent girls and some adolescent boys in sub-Saharan Africa engage in sexual relationships with older partners (intergenerational sex), which may put them at risk for HIV infection.

METHODS: We conducted eight focus group discussions (FGDs) among 71, 16-19 year old in- and out-of-school adolescents and explored adolescent sexual relationships. Male and female participants were recruited from schools,sport and social clubs,and youth organisations in two urban/peri-urban sites in Zimbabwe.

RESULTS: The mean age was 17.5 for girls (n=35) and 17 for boys (n=36). Fifty percent of boys and 17% of girls reported ever having had sex; the age of sexual debut was 14.8 for boys and 16.8 for girls. Girls reported that having "boyfriends" more than five years older is the norm, and that about two thirds of their peers are involved with "older partners" (a term reserved for the stereotypical "sugar daddy" over age 30). The primary motivation for having boyfriends is the prospect of marriage (although monetary/material gifts are also expected), while for older partners it is money and material support. Within relationships, the power to negotiate safe sex diminishes with the increased age of the partner; older men reportedly became violent if girls proposed condom use or refused sex. The majority of boys reported at least one sexual experience with a woman at least 10 years older. The primary reason for having sex with older women was to gain sexual experience, although additional benefits (such as food, alcohol and money) were also cited. Condom use within relationships with older women was reportedly common.

CONCLUSIONS: Involvement with older partners is the norm for adolescent females in Zimbabwe, and also common among adolescent males. Girls, especially, are at risk for HIV infection in relationships with older partners due to a lack of power to negotiate safe sex, and the threat of violence.

020707
MoOrE1116

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