Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The Sociocultural Aspects of HIV/AIDS in South Africa

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
HIV/AIDS in South Africa 25 Years On

Abstract

In 2005 the Commission for Africa noted that ‘Tackling HIV and AIDS requires a holistic response that recognises the wider cultural and social context’ (p. 197). Cultural factors that range from beliefs and values regarding courtship, sexual networking, contraceptive use, perspectives on sexual orientation, explanatory models for disease and misfortune and norms for gender and marital relations have all been shown to be factors in the various ways that HIV/AIDS has impacted on African societies (UNESCO, 2002). Increasingly the centrality of culture is being recognised as important to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support. With culture having both positive and negative influences on health behaviour, international donors and policy makers are beginning to acknowledge the need for cultural approaches to the AIDS crisis (Nguyen et al., 2008).

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 129.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Abdool-Karim, Q., Abdool-Karim, S., Soldan, K., and Zondi, M. (1995). Reducing the risk of HIV infection among South African sex-workers: socioeconomic and gender barriers. American Journal of Public Health, 85(11), 1511–1525.

    Google Scholar 

  • AIDS Weekly (2001). In Africa, stigma blocks treatment – even talk – of AIDS. Available: http://www.NewsRx.com

  • Bagnol, B., and Mariano, E. (2008). Vaginal practices: eroticism and implications for women’s health and condom use in Mozambique. Culture, Health and Sexuality, 10(6), 573–585.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Baleta, A. (1999). Concern voiced over ‘dry sex’ practices in South Africa. The Lancet, 352, 1292.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Beksinska, M.E., Rees, H.V., Kleinschmidt, I., and McIntyre, J. (1999). The practice and prevalence of dry sex among men and women in South Africa: a risk factor for sexually transmitted infections? Sexually Transmitted Infections, 75, 178–180.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Byakika-Tusiime, J. (2008). Circumcision and HIV infection: assessment of causality. AIDS and Behaviour, 12(6), 835–841.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Caldwell, J. C., Caldwell, P., and Quiggin, P. (1994). The social context of AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. In Orubuloye et al. (Ed.), Sexual networking and AIDS in sub-saharan Africa: Behavioural research and the social context (pp. 129–161). Canberra: Australian National University Printing Service for the Health Transition Centre.

    Google Scholar 

  • Campbell, T. (1997). How can psychological theory help to promote condom use in sub-Saharan developing countries? Journal of the Royal Society of Health, 117(3), 186–191.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Connolly, C., Simbayi, L.C., Shanmugam, R., and Mqeketo, A. (2008). Male circumcision and its relationship to HIV infection in South Africa: Results from a national survey in 2002. South African Medical Journal, 98(10), 789–794.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Department of Health (2007). HIV, AIDS and STIs National strategic plan on for South Africa, 2007–2011. Pretoria: Department of Health.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eaton, L., Flisher, A.J., and Aarø, L. (2003). Unsafe sexual behaviour in South African youth. Social Science and Medicine, 56, 149–165.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fisher, J.C., Bang, H., and Kapiga, S.H. (2007). The association between HIV infection and alcohol use: A systematic review and meta-analysis of African studies. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 34, 856–863.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Garuba, H., and Raditlhalo, S. (2008). Culture. In N. Shepherd and S. Robins (Ed.), New South African Keywords. Jacana/Johannesburg: Ohio University Press/Athens.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gorringe T (2004). Furthering Humanity: A Theology of Culture. Aldershot, UK: Ashgate Publishing Ltd.

    Google Scholar 

  • Grieser, M., Gittelsohn, J., Shankar, A.V., Koppenhaver, T., Legrand, T.K., Marindo, R., Mavhu, W.M., and Hill, K. (2001). Reproductive decision-making and the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Zimbabwe. Journal of Southern African Studies, 27(2), 225–243.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Halperin, D.T., and Epstein, H. (2007). Why is HIV prevalence so severe in Southern Africa? The role of multiple concurrent partnerships and lack of male circumcision: Implications for AIDS prevention. The Southern African Journal of HIV Medicine, 8(1), 19–25.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hammond-Tooke, W.D. (Ed.), (1974). The Bantu-Speaking Peoples of Southern Africa. Johannesburg: Routledge & Kegan Paul.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hopa, M., Simbayi, L.C., and Du Toit, C. (1998). Perceptions on integration on traditional and western healing in the new South Africa. South African Journal of Psychology, 28(1), 8–14.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jewkes, R., and Abrahams, N. (2000). Violence Against Women in South Africa: Rape and Sexual Coercion.Review Study for Crime Prevention Research Resources Centre. Johannesburg: Medical Research Council.

    Google Scholar 

  • Johnston, A.G. (2001). Twelve Key Messages on HIV/AIDS, A Briefing Paper to US Ambassadors in Africa. The Policy Project Report prepared for the US Agency for International Development.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kalichman, S.C., Simbayi, L.C., Kaufman, M., Cain, D., and Jooste, S. (2007). Alcohol use and sexual risks for HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa: Systematic review of empirical findings. Prevention Science, 8, 141–151.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kalichman, S.C., Simbayi, L.C., Vermaak, R., Jooste, S., and Cain, D. (2008). HIV/AIDS risks among men and women who drink at informal alcohol serving establishments (shebeens) in Cape Town, South Africa. Prevention Science, 9, 55–62.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kiene, S.M, Simbayi, L.C., Abrams, A., Cloete, A., Tennen, H., and Fisher, J.D. (2007) High Rates of Unprotected Sex occurring among HIV-Positive Individuals in a Daily Diary Study in South Africa: The Role of Alcohol Use . JAIDS, 49 (2), 219–226.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lachenicht, L.G. (1993). A sceptical argument concerning the value of a behavioural solution for AIDS. South African Journal of Psychology, 23(1), 15–20.

    Google Scholar 

  • Leclerc-Madlala, S. (2002). On the virgin cleansing myth: gendered bodies, AIDS and ethnomedicine. African Journal of AIDS Research, 1, 87–95.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leclerc-Madlala, S. (2008). Age-disparate and intergenerational sex in Southern Africa: The dynamics of Hypervulnerability. AIDS, 22, 1–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lesetedi, G.N. (1999). HIV/AIDS and the status of women in Botswana. In K.R. Hope Sr. (Ed.), AIDS and Development in Africa (pp. 47–57). New York: Haworth Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Levin, R.J. (2005). Science Update – wet and dry sex – the impact of cultural influence in modifying vaginal function. Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 20(4), 465–474.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Louria, D.B., Skurnick, J.H., Palumbo, P., Bogdon, J.D., Rohowsky – Kochan, C., Denny, T.N., and Kennedy, C.A. (2000). HIV heterosexual transmission: A hypothesis about an additional potential determinant. International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 4(2), 110–116.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Macphail, C., and Campbell, C. (2001). ‘I think condoms are good but, aai, I hate those things’: condom use among adolescents and young people in a Southern African township. Social Science and Medicine, 52, 1613–1627.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mah, T.L., and Halperin, D.T. (2008). Concurrent sexual partnerships and the HIV epidemic in Africa: evidence to move forward. AIDS and Behaviour. doi: 10.1007/s10461 -008-9433-x.

    Google Scholar 

  • McKerrow, N. (2000). At Risk Groups. Paper presented at Second Annual HIV/AIDS Conference. Pietermaritzburg, University of KwaZulu-Natal.

    Google Scholar 

  • Meyer-Weitz, A., Reddy, P., Weijtz, W., van den Borne, B., and Kok, G. (1998). The sociocultural contexts of sexually transmitted diseases in South Africa: Implications for health education programmes. AIDS Care, 10, s39–s55.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Morar, N. S., Ramjee, G., Gouws, E., and Wilkinson, D., (2003) Vaginal douching and vaginal substance use among sex workers in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa. South African Journal of Science, 99, 371–374.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morojele, N.K., Kachieng, M.A., Mokoko, E., Nkoko, M.A., Parry, C.H.D., Nkowane, A.M., Moshia, K.M., and Saxena, S. (2005). Alcohol use and sexual behaviour among risky drinkers and bar and shebeen patrons in Gauteng province, South Africa. Social Science and Medicine, 62, 217–227.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mzimkulu, K.G., and Simbayi, L.C. (2006). An investigation of perspectives and practices of Xhosa-speaking African traditional healers when managing psychoses. International Journal of Disability, Development and Education, 53(4), 417–431.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nielsen, M.F., Resnick, C.A., and Acuda, S.W. (1989). Alcoholism among outpatients of a rural district general hospital in Kenya. British Journal of Addiction, 84, 1343–1351.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nguyen, V.-K., Klot, J. Phillips, A., and Pirkle, C. (2008) Culture, HIV & AIDS: An Annotated Bibliography. Paris: UNESCO.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nxumalo, M. (1999). Women’s health, sociocultural practices, and HIV/AIDS in Swaziland. In K.R. Hope Sr. (Ed.), AIDS and Development in Africa (pp. 59–68). New York: Haworth Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Parry, C.D.H., Myers, B., Morojele, N.K., Flisher, A.J., Bhana, A., Donson, H., and Plüddemann, A. (2004). Trends in adolescent alcohol and other drug use: Findings from three sentinel sites in South Africa (1997–2001). Journal of Adolescence, 27, 429–440.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Patta, D. (2008). Teen Drug Abuse. Third Degree Television Programme. E-TV, 01 October 2008.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pattman, R. (2001). The beer drinkers say I had a nice prostitute, but the church goers talk about things spiritual: learning to be a men at a teachers’ college in Zimbabwe. In R. Morrell (Ed.), Changing Men in Southern Africa (pp. 225–238). Pietermaritzburg: University of Natal Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Peltzer, K, Niang, C.I., Muula, A.S., Bowa, K., Okeke, L., Boiro, H., & Chimbwete, C. (2007). Editorial review: male circumcision, gender and HIV prevention in sub-Saharan Africa: a (social science) research agenda, Journal of Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS Research Alliance, 4(3), 658–667.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pettifor, A.E., Measham, D.M., Rees, H.V., and Padian, N.S. (2004). Sexual power and HIV risk, South Africa. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 10(11), 1996–2004.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Petros, G., Collins O. A., Simbayi, L.C., Ramlagan, S., and Brown, B. (2006). HIV/AIDS and ‘othering’ in South Africa: The blame goes on. Culture, Health & Sexuality, 8(1), 67–77.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qwana, E., Mkaya-Mwamburi, D., Lurie, M., & Mthembu, A. (2001). An analysis of reasons for wanting and not wanting to disclose HIV status. South African AIDS Information Dissemination Service News, 8(3), 5.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rankin, W.W., Brennan, S., Schell, E., Laviwa, J., & Rankin, S.H. (2005). The stigma of being HIV- positive in Africa. PLoS Medicine, 2(8), e247.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rehle, T., Shisana, O., Pillay, V., Zuma, K., Puren, A., and Parker, W. (2007). National HIV incidence measures—new insights into the South African epidemic. South African Medical Journal, 97(3), 194–199.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • SADC (2006). Expert Think Tank Meeting on HIV Prevention in High Prevalence Countries. Meeting Report, May. Gaborone: SADC HIV and AIDS Unit.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schoepf, B.G. (1995). Culture, sex research and AIDS Prevention in Africa. In H. Brummelhuis and G. Herdt (Ed.), Culture and Sexual Risk: Anthropological Perspectives on AIDS (pp. 29–51). Routledge: Taylor & Francis Group.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shisana, O., Rehle, T., Simbayi, L.C., Parker, W., Zuma, K., Bhana, A., Connoly, C., Jooste, S., Pillay, V., et al. (2005). South African National HIV Prevalence, HIV Incidence, Behaviour and Communicatioin Survey. Cape Town: HSRC Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shell, R.C.H., and Zeitlin, R. (2000). Positive outcomes: The chances of acquiring HIV/AIDS during school going years in the Eastern Cape, 1990–2000. Social Work Practitioner – Researcher, 12(3), 139–154.

    Google Scholar 

  • Siyam’kela Project. (2003). Siyam’kela: A Report on the Fieldwork Leading to the Development of HIV/AIDS Stigma Indicators and Guidelines. Prepared by Insideout Research for Policy Project, South Africa; Centre for the study of AIDS, University of Pretoria; United States Agency for International Development; and Chief Directorate: HIV, AIDS & TB, Department of Health. Retrieved September 25, 2006, from http://www.policyproject.com/pubs/countryreports/SA_Siyam_fieldwork.pdf

  • Skinner, D., and Mfecane, S. (2004). Stigma, discrimination and the implications for people living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa. Journal of the Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS Research Alliance, 1(3), 157–164.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Strydom, H. (2000).The knowledge base of high school pupils in the North West Province on HIV/AIDS. Social Work practitioner – Researcher, 12(3), 195–207.

    Google Scholar 

  • The Commission for Africa (2005). Our Common Interest: Report of the Commission for Africa. London: The Commission for Africa.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ulin, P.R. (1992). African women and AIDS: negotiating behavioural change. Social Science and Medicine, 34(1), 63–73.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • UNAIDS (2006). Collaborating with Traditional Healers for HIV Prevention and Care in Sub-Saharan Africa: Suggestions for Programme Managers and Field Workers. Geneva: UNAIDS.

    Google Scholar 

  • UNAIDS (2007). AIDS Epidemic Update – December 2007. Geneva: UNAIDS.

    Google Scholar 

  • UNECA (2008). Securing our Future: Report of the Commission on HIV/AIDS and Governance in Africa. New York: UNECA.

    Google Scholar 

  • UNESCO/UNAIDS (2002). A Cultural Approach to HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care: Summary of Country Assessments. Division of Cultural Policies, Paris: UNESCO.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Dyk, A. (2001). HIV/AIDS Care and Counselling: A Multidisciplinary Approach. Cape Town: Pearson Education.

    Google Scholar 

  • Varga, C. (1997). Sexual decision making and negotiations in the midst of AIDS: youth in KwaZulu-Natal. Health Transition Review, 7(2), 13–40.

    Google Scholar 

  • Versteeg, M.F., and Murray, M. (2008). Condom use as part of the wider HIV prevention strategy: experiences from communities in the North West Province, South Africa. Journal of the Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS Research Alliance, 5(2), 83–93.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vincent, L. (2008). ‘Boys will be boys’: Traditional Xhosa male circumcision, HIV and sexual socialisation in contemporary South Africa. Culture, Health & Sexuality, 10(5), 431–446.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wechsberg, W.M., Luseno, W. K., and Lam, W.K. (2005). Violence against substance-abusing South African sex workers: Intersection with culture and HIV risk, AIDS Care, 17, S55–S64.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Westercamp, N., and Bailey, R.C. (2007). Acceptability of male circumcision for prevention of HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa: A review. AIDS & Behaviour, 11, 341–355.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Natal, South Africa

    Suzanne Leclerc-Madlala

  2. Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa

    Leickness C. Simbayi

  3. Health Research programme of the Human Sciences Research Council in Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa

    Allanise Cloete

Authors
  1. Suzanne Leclerc-Madlala
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Leickness C. Simbayi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Allanise Cloete
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Revelstoke Road 12, London, SW18 5PD, United Kingdom

    Poul Rohleder

  2. Springer Science + Business Media, Spring St. 233, New York, 10013, New York, USA

    Leslie Swartz

  3. Center for HIV Intervention and, Prevention, University of Connecticut, Hillside Road 206, Storrs, 06269, Connecticut, USA

    Seth C. Kalichman

  4. Plain Park Bldg, 13th Fl 69-83, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa

    Leickness Chisamu Simbayi

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2009 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Leclerc-Madlala, S., Simbayi, L.C., Cloete, A. (2009). The Sociocultural Aspects of HIV/AIDS in South Africa. In: Rohleder, P., Swartz, L., Kalichman, S., Simbayi, L. (eds) HIV/AIDS in South Africa 25 Years On. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0306-8_2

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0306-8_2

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-0305-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4419-0306-8

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation