“I think it’s communication and trust and sharing everything”

Qualitative evidence for a model of healthy intimate relationships in Black women living with HIV and men in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa

Dados Bibliográficos

ID21319947
AutoresJennifer M Belus (0000-0003-4091-4889, Department of Psychology University of Maryland College Park Maryland USA, autor correspondente), Valerie D Bradley (0000-0001-6565-8493, Department of Psychology University of Maryland College Park Maryland USA), Alastair Van Heerden (0000-0003-2530-6885, Human and Social Development Human Sciences Research Council Pietermaritzburg South Africa), Lindani Msimango (0000-0002-0009-0187, Human Sciences Research Council), Lindani I Msimango (Human and Social Development Human Sciences Research Council Pietermaritzburg South Africa), Ruanne V Barnabas (0000-0002-1793-6003, Global Health and Medicine University of Washington Seattle Washington USA), Heidi Van Rooyen (0000-0002-6502-6098, MRC/WITS Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit Department of Paediatrics Faculty of Health Science University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg South Africa)
Ano2022
Volume61
Fascículo4
Páginas1507-1524
Data de publicação2022-12-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoFamily Process (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0014-7370 • E-ISSN: 1545-5300
EditoraWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/famp.12744
PMID34931703
OpenAlexW4200556793
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas4
Referências citadas42

In South Africa, couple‐based interventions (CBIs) have been used to increase HIV testing, reduce HIV transmission, and shift relationship dynamics. To understand local definitions of healthy relationships, this study sought to collect qualitative data on a model of healthy relationships in a semi‐rural area of KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa. We conducted semi‐structured qualitative interviews with HIV‐positive women ( n = 15) and men of mixed HIV status ( n = 15) who were in heterosexual, monogamous relationships (not with each other). Thematic analyses guided coding. Three primary healthy relationship behaviour themes emerged, labelled open communication, couple‐level problem‐solving, and active relationship building, which were related to various relationship facets (trust, support, respect, commitment, and connection). We purposively explored contextual themes, namely the role of HIV, positive community involvement, and power dynamics, to better situate the healthy relationship behaviour themes. HIV was not central to relationship conceptualisations and three different power structures (shared power/flexible gender norms, shared power/traditional gender norms, male‐dominated power/traditional gender norms) were described as being healthy. This model of healthy relationships is similar to observed definitions in other African countries and in high‐income settings. Findings can inform HIV programming content for couples in KwaZulu‐Natal, particularly the active relationship building component

Family medicine · Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) · Psychological intervention · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Thematic analysis · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Gender Studies · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · Medicine · Poverty, Education, and Child Welfare · Psychology · Social Psychology