Gender Differences in Correlates of Multiple and Concurrent Sexual Partnerships in Namibia

Southern African countries are facing among the highest levels of HIV infection in the world. Multiple and concurrent sexual partnerships (MCP) and inconsistent condom use are the key drivers of the epidemic. Although nationally representative data on concurrency in Namibia have not been available until recently, several local studies have recorded high levels of concurrent partnerships. This study analyzes data from a 2011-2012 household survey of Namibia to identify the extent which various attitudinal factors and perceived norms are associated with multiple sexual partnerships, and to assess how these factors vary by gender. We use probit regression models to the relationship between attitudes and norms and these indicators of multiple and concurrent partnerships. Specifically, we examine the role of perceived norms regarding multiple partnerships, attitudes toward multiple partnerships, social support for refraining from multiple partnerships, self-efficacy to resist having multiple partners, and personal HIV/AIDS. Our analyses show that the factors that affect multiple partnerships vary by gender. Consequently, there is a need for HIV prevention programs to design messages that address male attitudes and perceived norms toward multiple partnerships.