Monogamous marriage in Zimbabwe: An insurance against HIV and AIDS?

abstract

The study sought to establish whether and to what extent monogamous marriages in Zimbabwe serve as havens against HIV and AIDS. A qualitative design incorporating interviews and focus group discussions was employed. A conveniently selected sample of 26 respondents (12 male and 14 female) aged between 21 and 55 years at a university in Zimbabwe participated in the study. Data were thematically analysed. The study revealed that while marriage to some extent was an important factor in curbing the spread of HIV and AIDS, it was also a risk factor. It emerged that while both married men and women were at risk, women were more vulnerable due to socio-cultural and economic factors. It emerged that those in monogamous marriage unions did not necessarily stick to one partner, but on the contrary engaged in secret extra-marital affairs to avoid public reprimand and so protect their public images. Furthermore, results indicated that unmarried women were relatively safer than married women in terms of exposure to HIV and AIDS as they were in a better position to negotiate safer sex.

Keywords:

• Monogamous marriage
• HIV and AIDS
• risk factor
• vulnerability
• Zimbabwe