Gender-specific patterns of multiple concurrent sexual partnerships : a national cross sectional survey in Botswana

A priority of AIDS prevention in Botswana is to reduce multiple concurrent sexual partnerships. The study shows that male choice-disability and female disposable income are associated with multiple concurrent partners. Two aspects of “choice disability” were considered: domestic violence and acquiescence to high risk sex (those who said they would have sex if their partner refused to use a condom, despite believing their partner could have HIV). Among 768 male and 1784 female respondents, 10% reported multiple sexual partners in the month prior to the survey; 19% of men and 6% of women

Community views of inter-generational sex : findings from focus groups in Botswana, Namibia and Swaziland

The young women in the study were clear that sex with older men was about material gain. Some said they felt they had no choice. Older men reported sexual gratification as a key motivator. Persuading young girls not to engage sexually with older men will be difficult unless prevention programmes also target older men. Prevention programmes designed simply to increase knowledge of the risks of inter-generational sex are unlikely to be effective. More promising approaches might include making older men aware of the ridicule they attract from the young women, and helping young women to find alternative ways of financial support