Knowledge I seek because culture doesn’t work anymore … It doesn’t work, death comes : the experiences of third-generation female caregivers (gogos) in South Africa discussing sex, sexuality and HIV and AIDS with children in their care
Date
2021-03-09
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BMC (part of Springer Nature)
Abstract
Background: Sexual reproductive health communication between parents and children has been shown to
promote safer sexual choices. In many South African households, third-generation female caregivers, often
grandmothers or other older females, locally known as gogos, are primary caregivers of children due to parents
being deceased or absent. Subsequently, the responsibility of talking about sex and related issues has shifted to
these gogos. This study explored the experiences of gogos living in Alexandra, Johannesburg on talking about sex,
sexuality and HIV and AIDS with children aged 10–18 years that are in their care.
Methods: Ten primary caregivers were purposively selected. Data were collected through in-depth individual
interviews. Thematic analysis was performed and inductive codes and themes identified.
Results: All gogos selected found it difficult to discuss sex, sexuality and HIV and AIDS due to culture and
traditional values impacting on personal experiences as well as generation and gender barriers. Perceived low selfefficacy
due to low levels of knowledge and limited skills in speaking about sex, sexuality and HIV and AIDS also
contributed to low levels of sexual reproductive health communication.
Conclusions: This study highlights the need for interventions that focus on improving gogos’ knowledge about
sexual reproductive health in addition to providing them with the skills to talk about sex, sexuality and HIV and
AIDS with children in their care.
Description
CITATION: Simmonds, J. E., et. al. 2021. Knowledge I seek because culture doesn’t work anymore … It doesn’t work, death comes : the experiences of third-generation female caregivers (gogos) in South Africa discussing sex, sexuality and HIV and AIDS with children in their care. BMC Public Health, 21:470, doi:10.1186/s12889-021-10494-5.
The original publication is available at https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com
The original publication is available at https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com
Keywords
Sex instruction -- Grandmother participation -- Alexandra (Johannesburg, South Africa), Health education -- Grandmother participation -- Alexandra (Johannesburg, South Africa), Grandparent and child -- Health aspects -- Alexandra (Johannesburg, South Africa), HIV (Viruses) -- Alexandra (Johannesburg, South Africa), AIDS (Disease) -- Alexandra (Johannesburg, South Africa), Caregivers -- Attitudes -- Alexandra (Johannesburg, South Africa)
Citation
Simmonds, J. E., et. al. 2021. Knowledge I seek because culture doesn’t work anymore … It doesn’t work, death comes : the experiences of third-generation female caregivers (gogos) in South Africa discussing sex, sexuality and HIV and AIDS with children in their care. BMC Public Health, 21:470, doi:10.1186/s12889-021-10494-5