Couples' communication on sexual and relational issues among the Akamba in Kenya
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Date
2009-11
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African Journal of AIDS Research
Abstract
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
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
Determinants of health, East Africa, Gender issues, Health communication, HIV/AIDS, HIV prevention, Marriage, Relationships, Safer sex
Citation
Miller, A. N., Golding, L., Ngula, K., Wambua, M. A., Kizito, M. N., Mutua, E., Odondi, C., Booker, N. A., Mwithia, J. K., & Rubin, D. L. (2009). Couples communication on sexual and relational issues among the Akamba in Kenya. African Journal of AIDS Research. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2989/AJAR.2009.8.1.6.719