Keywords
Stakeholders Perspectives; Condom Promotion; Zambia
Abstract
Background: Although condoms present an effective way of reducing HIV and STIs among adolescents, consensus regarding promotion of condoms in schools and a theoretical framework for understanding these perspectives is lacking. The study explored stakeholders’ perspectives on condom promotion in selected schools in Lusaka, Zambia.
Methods: A qualitative study driven by a case study design. Data collected through In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) with 12 different stakeholder’s and5 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) as well as 7 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with pupils were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: Two broader themes identified during the study; in support of condom promotion and against condom promotion in schools. Stakeholders (parents, teachers, pupils, civil society organizations, government officials, the church and human rights and gender activists) in support of condom promotion supported the idea basing their arguments on ’health related benefits ’, educational and empowerment reasons’, and ‘social and economic reasons. On the other hand, stakeholders against condom promotion felt that condom promotion is ‘against their culture and sex norms,’ ‘promote immoral sexual behavior among pupils, and against Christian teachings.
Mixed opinions were obtained from IDIs and FGDs on the issue of condom promotion in schools. However, an interesting finding of the study is that all the participants in FGDs, KIIs and IDIs seemed to agree that young people already know what sex is and therefore, like adults pupils must be given the information and knowledge in order to protect themselves from HIV/AIDS and unplanned pregnancies. Stakeholders were also in agreement that in schools some pupils are sexually active while others are young and may not be sexually active.
Conclusion: Decisions regarding promotion of condoms in schools revolve around health related benefits, educational and empowerment reasons, social and economic dynamics, moral and religious values as well as issues of culture and traditions.
Citation
Kamanga N, Zulu JM and Mweemba O. Stakeholders ‘Perspectives on Condom Promotion in Schools in Zambia: A Thematic Analysis of Four Selected Schools in Lusaka District. SM J Public Health Epidemiol. 2018; 4(2): 1049s.