Special Collection 1 - Article 8 | Pages 247–278  

Spousal communication about the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS in rural Malawi

By Eliya Msiyaphazi Zulu, Gloria Chepngeno

This article is part of the Special Collection 1 "Social Interactions and HIV/AIDS in Rural Africa"

Abstract

This paper uses qualitative and quantitative data from married men and women in rural Malawi to examine how they comprehend their risk to HIV/AIDS and what preventive strategies they consider within marriage. Program efforts to promote behavior change have consistently focused on promoting chastity before marriage and fidelity while married or using condoms. These behavioral prescriptions are suitable for extramarital contexts but not within marriage, where the condom is far from being accepted as a suitable preventive tool and spouses face the reality that one’s vulnerability to AIDS is not confined to his/her behavior alone.
The survey data show, unsurprisingly, that those who have the most reason for concern (e.g. those worried about contracting the disease) and those who have greater program and informal social contacts are most likely to communicate. The semi-structured interviews show that husbands and wives use subtle and gendered strategies to encourage fidelity; they talk to each other about the consequences of HIV/AIDS on their children’s and their own lives as a prelude for highlighting and justifying joint sexual prudence.
These results show that rather than giving up to fate, marital partners are actively challenging and persuading each other to reform sexual behavior to avoid the intrusion of HIV/AIDS into the home.

Author's Affiliation

• Eliya Msiyaphazi Zulu - African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), Kenya EMAIL
• Gloria Chepngeno - African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), Kenya EMAIL

Other articles by the same author/authors in Demographic Research

Circular migration patterns and determinants in Nairobi slum settlements
Volume 23 - Article 20

A summary of Special Collection 1: Social Interactions and HIV/AIDS in Rural Africa
Volume 9 - Article 12

Introduction to "Research on Demographic Aspects of HIV/AIDS in Rural Africa"
Special Collection 1 - Article 1

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