Browsing by Author "Mwaseba, Devota Joseph Bilinga"

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    Social cultural aspects and condom use in HIV/AIDS prevention among the Zaramo Adolescents in Tanzania : a case Study of Homboza Village in Kisarawe District, Coast
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2005) Mwaseba, Devota Joseph Bilinga
    This study investigated the influence of selected socio- cultural aspects on condom use for HIV/AIDS prevention among the Zaramo adolescents in Kisarawe District. The assumption behind this study was that condom use among adolescents is influenced by socio-cultural factors. Data were collected using a combination of methods including pre-tested questionnaires, observation, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The study shows that cultural beliefs, norms and values imparted during initiation ceremonies as well as economic needs influence premarital and extramarital sex among female adolescents. On the other hand, peer pressure motivates male adolescents towards premarital sex. It also shows that high awareness of male condom and knowledge of HIV/AIDS transmission has not been translated into practice considering the low use of condoms among adolescents. As is the case with condom use, the use of alternative local measures for HIV/AIDS prevention was equally limited. The study concludes that cultural beliefs norms and negative perceptions about condom influence low condom use among adolescents in Homboza village. Based on the foregoing the study recommends carrying out HIV/AIDS campaigns including promotion of condom use that are sensitive to the local meanings attached to various preventive strategies in Tanzanian communities; NGOs involved in efforts against HIV/AIDS should not only deal with awareness creation but with cultural aspects as well. It is imperative to develop culturally specific HIV/AIDS preventive measures in Tanzania because sexual behaviour and condom use are a result of social cultural beliefs that differ from one society to another, and between groups within a society.