Couples' communication on sexual and relational issues among the Akamba in Kenya

A large portion of HIV transmission in sub-Saharan Africa occurs among married couples, yet the majority of research on safer-sex communication has focused on communication between couples in casual relationships. This paper explores how committed Kamba couples in Machakos District, Kenya, communica...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:African journal of AIDS research : AJAR 2009-03, Vol.8 (1), p.51-60
Main Authors: Miller, Ann Neville, Golding, Lenette, Ngula, Kyalo wa, Wambua, MaryAnne, Mutua, Evans, Kitizo, Mary N, Teti, Caroline, Booker, Nancy, Mwithia, Kinya, Rubin, Donald L
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Africa
Communication
Couples
DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH
EAST AFRICA
Family planning
GENDER ISSUES
HEALTH COMMUNICATION
HIV
HIV PREVENTION
HIV/AIDS
Interpersonal Communication
MARRIAGE
Prevention
RELATIONSHIPS
SAFER SEX
Sex Differences
Sexual Behavior
Sexual behaviour
Sexuality
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Summary:A large portion of HIV transmission in sub-Saharan Africa occurs among married couples, yet the majority of research on safer-sex communication has focused on communication between couples in casual relationships. This paper explores how committed Kamba couples in Machakos District, Kenya, communicate about sensitive relational issues. The findings from focus group discussions with five groups of males and five groups of females are presented. The couples freely shared their thoughts about daily and economic issues and certain aspects of family planning and sexuality. Methods for raising sensitive issues with partners included monitoring the spouse's mood, gradual or indirect revelation, mentioning topics during sex, and use of third-party intermediaries. Interference by extended family members, especially husbands' mothers, and male authoritarian roles emerged as hindrances to effective communication between couples. The implications for HIV prevention regarding gender differences and the role of families in couples' communication are discussed.
ISSN:1608-5906
1727-9445
DOI:10.2989/AJAR.2009.8.1.6.719