Partner-concurrency associated with herpes simplex virus 2 infection in young South Africans

This study was undertaken in two locations in Trinidad Sea Lots and Point Fortin between November and December 2007. Participants were women aged 16-24. The study uses the PEER (participatory ethnographic evaluation and research) method to generate in-depth narrative data and provide an authentic insider view of the realities of the target group. The FoQus on Segmentation strategy was used to gain programmer input into the study design identify potential determinants of condom use and explore factors that will be used to develop a concept for promoting condom use with outside partners. PSI/Caribbean will use the results to develop interpersonal communication activities and a media campaign directed at the target group. Initially the study set out to understand transactional cross-generational relationships identified as a major risk factor among the target group. The data revealed that within the target population sexual relationships and financial benefits are intimately linked within all relationships. Despite the differences in economic context between Sea Lots and Point Fortin in all interview narratives sex and money are inextricable. An over-riding feature of the interviews is that sex is commoditised as part of the norm of relationships. Sex without financial gain is perceived within the target group as aberrant and certainly not normative. The data made clear that defining some relationships as transactional and some as not is not meaningful in the context of the target group. The study has therefore focussed on understanding how patterns of concurrent relationships are managed and maintained.