Stakeholders Perspectives on Condom Promotion in Schools in Zambia: A Grounded Theory Approach of Four Selected Schools in Lusaka District
Date
2016
Authors
Kamanga, Nathan
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Zambia
Abstract
Background: Adolescents in several LDCs, including Zambia experience early sexual debut
resulting in STIs and unplanned pregnancies. The use of condom has been identified as one of
the major steps aimed at reducing these negative SRH problems. The study explores
stakeholders’ perspectives on condom promotion in schools in Zambia with regard to
Stakeholders in support of condom promotion and against condom promotion in schools.
Methods: This study is a qualitative research driven by a grounded theory design. The
population was restricted to key stakeholders in education, including pupils from Kamwala,
David Kaunda, Matero Boys and Kamulanga Secondary schools within Lusaka district of
Zambia. In order to select and identify participants, purposive sampling was used which was
combined with theoretical sampling to build up a theory. Seventeen (17) interviews were
conducted with various stakeholders and seven (7) Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with pupils
were used as methods. The data were analyzed by means of grounded theory.
Results : One core category emerged “selective condom promotion in schools” which
connected other categories ’health related benefits ’, educational and empowerment reasons’,
and ‘social and economical reasons on one hand and ‘against culture and sexual norms ’,
‘promoting immoral sexual behavior among pupils, against Christian teachings and ‘affect
pupils academic performance,’ on the other hand. In this setting, stakeholders preferred selective
condom promotion in schools as opposed to targeting all the pupils. Stakeholders were of the
view that in schools some pupils are sexually active while others are young and may not be
sexually active. Pupils who are sexually active must be given a choice by providing them with
knowledge and information so that they are able to make a decision whether to use condom or
not while those who are young and not sexually active should not be exposed to condom
promotion. Therefore condom promotion should only target pupils who need the service so that
they can make a decision on whether to protect themselves against STIs and unwanted
pregnancies or not. Acceptability of condom promotion among many stakeholders was
problematic because of the dominance of culture and religious issues which have placed a
negative connotation on condom promotion.
Conclusion: Although it was evident from the study that many youths were not abstaining from
sexual activities, many stakeholders still felt that abstinence is the way to go because it was
acceptable by society as opposed to condom promotion which many stakeholders believe is at
variance with societal norms and beliefs. Issues of culture and religion had a huge influence on
Stakeholders perspectives on condom promotion in schools. Key theoretical constructs that
guide decisions regarding promotion of condoms in schools revolved around health related
benefits considerations, educational and empowerment reasons, social and economic dynamics,
moral and religious values as well as academic performance concerns.
Key words: Grounded theory, Stakeholders, perspectives, condom promotion, Zambia
Description
M.Public Health
Keywords
Sex instruction---Zambia , Condoms--Zambia , Public schools--Zambia