The importance of interdisciplinary collaborative research in responding to HIV/AIDS vulnerability in rural Senegal

Abstract

HIV prevalence in Senegal is less than 1%, a success generally attributed to the country's quick response to the nascent epidemic of the 1980s and its continued efforts to curtail the spread of HIV. However, as the bulk of the healthcare infrastructure and support for HIV-positive individuals and AIDS patients are located in urban areas, there remains limited information on HIV and AIDS prevalence in rural areas. Several focus group discussions held with small-holder farmers in 2006, in the regions of Kolda and Tambacounda, Senegal, in the framework of a regional food-security development programme, revealed the growing vulnerability of rural populations to HIV and AIDS. Because current HIV/AIDS campaigns are strongly influenced by generalised, internationally formulated guidelines that fail to take into account the cultural particularities of the Senegalese context, the initial positive impact of these campaigns has dramatically decreased and at-risk behaviour in rural Senegal has been found to be on the increase. The article argues that in order for HIV/AIDS campaigns to have an impact there is an urgent need for evidence-based approaches built on a deeper understanding of the local socio-cultural situation through interdisciplinary research and collaboration.

Assessing sexual practices and beliefs among university students in Khartoum, Sudan; a qualitative study

“…However, it could be argued that these results may not be generalisable to Islamic communities where abstinence from sex until marriage is the norm. Besides, previous research has shown that the interventions which incorporate a community's social norm are more likely to be accepted and more extensively implemented (Marston & King, 2006 ; Willems, 2009 ). Despite these arguments, the findings of these meta-analysis studies highlight the importance of adopting a more comprehensive approach to HIV prevention.…”

Psychosocial Determinants of Premarital Sexual Practices among University Students in Sudan

“…Besides, previous research has shown that the interventions which incorporate a community's social norm are more likely to be accepted and more extensively implemented (Marston & King, 2006;Willems, 2009). The abstinence-plus approach has the advantage of respecting the conservative communities' religious values and social norms while addressing health professionals' scientific and ethical concerns against AOUM programs.…”

“…Some studies suggest that interventions solely focusing on sexual risk reduction and neglecting abstinence run a risk of becoming rejected since they are regarded as potentially promoting premarital sex in Muslim communities (Elshiekh et al 2021;Kamarulzaman, 2013). Therefore, incorporating abstinence, a religious obligation and highly valued norm in Muslim communities (Elshiekh et al, 2021;Horanieh et al, 2020), could promote religious leaders' support and facilitate programs implementation (Willems, 2009).…”