Sexual Behavior Experiences and Characteristics of Male-female Partnerships among HIV Positive Adolescent Girls and Young Women: Qualitative Findings from Zimbabwe

The qualitative study, conducted October-November 2016 explored sexual behavior experiences and characteristics of male-female partnerships among the same participants. Discussions with 10/11 (91%) AGYW who reported being infected through sex suggested that they had acquired HIV from their husbands or romantic partners. Accounts also suggested that the age difference between respondents and their male sexual partners was ≥5 years. Overall, respondents described two types of male partners: those older (''sugar daddies'', men ≥35 years old) and younger (<35 years). Respondents felt unable to suggest condom use to both older and younger partners. Evident in respondents' accounts was a general low HIV risk perception, particularly with younger men, which was largely due to poor HIV knowledge. Discussions suggested that an AGYW's relationship with either male partner was characterized by some form of violence.