Multiple and Concurrent Sexual Partnerships in Lesotho: A Target Audience Research Report

This 53-page qualitative research study on Multiple Concurrent Partnerships (MCP) in Lesotho was commissioned by Phela, a health and development non-governmental organisation (NGO), to inform communication interventions as part of its 5-year HIV prevention initiative. Twelve focus group discussions (FGDs) were held among men and women of ages 16 and above from rural, urban and semi-urban areas to understand their knowledge, attitudes, and practices around Multiple Concurrent Partnerships (MCP). In addition, in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with cultural leaders and individuals involved in MCP. Research findings indicate that different types of multiple concurrent relationships exist in the communities investigated. The study also shows that MCP is a learned behaviour influenced by culture, and that relationships are often conducted secretly.

According to the authors, involvement in MCP is perceived as placing people at risk of contracting HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). It is also said to lead to unwanted pregnancy which, in turn, results in unsafe abortions. However, findings show that many people continue to practise MCP due to materialism, poverty, and cultural influences. In many cases, sexual needs seem to override the perceived risk of MCP.

According to the report, the findings reveal certain misconceptions. For example, some participants believed: that lubricants on condoms can kill people; that women who loose their virginity at an older age fall pregnant easily, hence the need to have sex while younger; that men with big penises provide greater sexual satisfaction; that having one sexual partner is like eating one type of food every day; and that men are naturally born to have multiple partners.

Respondents provided several recommendations both for individuals and communities, and for HIV interventions that focus on MCP:

• Support structures should be decentralised to extend education on the risks of MCP. Support groups and more clinics should be set up in the villages to provide people with opportunities to share ideas and information on how to improve their sexual relations so as to avoid having additional sexual partners outside their marriages.
• The use of condoms to prevent HIV and other STIs should be reinforced because the practice of having multiple partners cannot be rooted out easily.
• According to the study, male respondents believed that people need to change their behaviour when it comes to health issues and recognise the risks of contracting HIV and STIs through MCP.
• According to respondents, lack of jobs has resulted in many people turning into "sex labourers" and being involved in MCP for money in order to survive. They felt that if the government could provide job opportunities, the rate of HIV infection would decline.
• Partners in MCP should disclose their HIV status so that they will have to take the necessary measures to avoid infection or re-infection. Respondents also felt they should go for regular tests so as to reduce the spread of HIV, and that people should also be encouraged to stick to one partner.
• The study also states that participants recommended that cultural practices such as initiation schools should be revived since they could help prohibit teenagers from engaging in MCP and sex before marriage and could encourage good behaviour.