Exploring partner communication and patterns of sexual networking: qualitative research to improve management of sexually transmitted diseases

Abstract

This ethnographic research among rural South African men and women seeking care for STDs explores constraints to communication among partners and defines predominant patterns of sexual networking. A series of fifteen open-ended interviews explored topics related to sexual networking and partner communication. Patterns of sexual networking showed clear gender variation, with men more likely to discuss multiple partners. Both men and women believed they should tell one partner about their STD, most often a steady partner. Strong distinctions were made between regular and casual partners, with an emphasis on the role of trust in a steady relationship. Men and women expressed anxiety about telling their partners of their illness, but women more often expressed fear whereas men felt embarrassed. Multi-partnered sexuality is common and is widely accepted for men. While the importance of regular partnerships is clear for both men and women, sexual relationships appear to be highly unstable. Communication among partners could be facilitated by stronger health promotion messages, such as the importance of telling a partner about an STD. Prevailing patterns of communication and sexual networking have profound implications for the STD epidemic.