Browsing by Author "Kizito, Mary N."

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    Couples' Communication on Sexual and Relational Issues among the Akamba in Kenya
    (African Journal of AIDS Research, 2009-11) Miller, Ann Neville; Golding, Lenette; wa Ngula, Kyalo; Wambua, MaryAnne; Mutua, Evans; Kizito, Mary N.; Teti, Caroline; Booker, Nancy Achieng’ ; Mwithia, Kinya Jesica ; Rubin, Donald L
    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
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    Kenyan Pastors’ Perspectives on Communicating about Sexual Behaviour and HIV
    (African Journal of AIDS Research, 2011-09) Miller, Ann Neville; Mwithia, Kinya Jesica; Kizito, Mary N.; Njoroge, Lucy
    The article presents an analysis of in-depth interviews with 18 leaders of Christian churches in Nairobi, Kenya, regarding the content and context of messages they disseminate to their congregations about sexual behaviour and HIV. The content of messages was nearly consistent across the different denominations. However, three sorts of tensions were identified within pastoral communication about these topics: the need to discuss sex and HIV versus societal taboos against speaking about those issues from the pulpit; traditional cultural norms versus current lifestyles; and the ideals of abstinence and fidelity versus the reality of congregants’ sexual behaviour. Although some of the religious leaders accepted the idea of condom use, no denominational patterns were noted on that subject, except with respect to Catholic priests. Pentecostal leaders were notable for describing proactive strategies to address both the ideal/real dilemma and the tension between church norms and current media content about sexuality and HIV.
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    Kenyan Patients’ Attitudes Regarding Doctor Ethnicity and Doctor–Patient Ethnic Discordance
    (Patient Education and Counseling, 2010) Miller, Ann Neville; Mwithia, Kinya Jesica ; Booker, Nancy Achieng’ ; Kizito, Mary N.; wa Ngula, Kyalo
    Objective: This study explored Kenyan patients’ perspectives on the role of ethnicity in the doctor– patient relationship. Methods: 221 participants completed questionnaires on ethnicity in doctor–patient relationships; eight focus groups were held with low- and middle-income urban and rural women. Results: About half of participants expressed no preference for doctor ethnicity. Participants rated demographic factors as less important than factors related to the doctor’s qualifications, communication skills, and cost of service. Those who did indicate a preference were more likely to prefer Indian doctors for eye problems and Europeans for major surgery, cancer, and heart problems. With less severe medical issues participants were more likely to prefer a doctor who was ethnically concordant with them. Reasons for this centered around communication issues. In contrast, several focus group participants did not want to be treated by doctors from their own ethnic group because of concerns about confidentiality. Conclusion: Additional research is needed on negative implications of patient–provider concordance. Practice implications: Medical service providers must be aware of concerns about ethnic concordance. Alternatively medical centers that deal with sensitive medical information need to consider hiring staff who are not of the majority ethnic group in their region.