Understanding the Role of Socio-Economic Factors in Fuelling Multiple Sexual Partnerships Among the Zulus in Contemporary South Africa

HIV and AIDS continue to pose a global health and development challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. South Africa has one of the largest numbers of people living with HIV in the world. Despite accelerated efforts to combat the HIV and AIDS epidemic there remains an unabated challenge, i.e. continuing new infections, particularly among young African adults. Studies suggest that risky sexual behaviours, including multiple sexual partnerships, are responsible for the spread of HIV. This study sought, among other objectives, to identify underlying socio-economic factors fuelling multiple sexual relationships occurring in the context of casual sexual partnerships known as "ukujola". A generic qualitative study approach was used, drawing on in-depth interviews (n = 20), focus groups (n = 4) and key-informant interviews (n = 8) conducted with IsiZulu-speaking participants (aged 21-34) from KwaZulu-Natal. The study found that there are various socio-economic factors, including poverty and high levels of unemployment, sexual desire and the need for social approval, which promote multiple sexual relationships. In order to curb the further spread of HIV and AIDS, prevention efforts must target the reduction of partner concurrency.