The Role of Culture in Maintaining Post-Partum Sexual Abstinence of Swazi Women

Abstract

Eswatini is one of the countries in the African continent where post-partum sexual abstinence is practiced. Beside scarcity of research exploring sexual abstinence in Eswatini, there are only a few studies that explore post-partum abstinence across HIV-positive and negative women in sub-Saharan Africa. The study explored the practice of post-partum sexual abstinence in Swazi women and examined how cultural beliefs influence and promotes the perpetuation of the practice. The study population consisted of post-partum women who were selected, using purposive sampling. Thematic approach was used for data analysis. Despite feeling that the period for post-partum, sexual abstinence was long; the participants adhered to the practice as prescribed by their culture. Nevertheless, they felt that the practice is imposed on women only because while they are observing post-partum abstinence, their partners get to sleep with other sexual partners. They raised concerns that the practice increases the risk of acquiring HIV and sexually transmitted infections. There is an element of coercion to the practice of post-partum abstinence, the myths and misconceptions around the early resumption of sexual intercourse forces the practice on women. At the family and community level, the discussions to change the way sexual abstinence is viewed and practiced are crucial.

Factors associated with early resumption of sexual intercourse among women during extended postpartum period in Northwest Ethiopia: a cross sectional study

“…The present study revealed that women who live in urban setting were 6.12 times (AOR = 6.12, 95% CI: 2.41, 15.66) more likely to resume early sexual intercourse after childbirth than rural dwellers. This finding is consistent with other studies done in Nigeria [ 22 ] and Eswatini [ 24 ]. This could be due to the fact that women living in rural area are more likely to adhere to traditional practices, and the cultural practice of sexual abstinence during the postpartum period.…”

“…This study was also identified that husband demand for sexual intercourse were about 2.66 times higher than women’s desire (AOR = 2.66 95% CI: 1.72, 4.11) to early resumption of sexual intercourse after childbirth. This finding is supported by other studies done in Eswatini [ 24 ] and Tanzania [ 30 ]. This attributed to the male partner’s demand and pressure for sexual intercourse.…”

“…Evidence revealed that short birth interval is relatively rare when sexual activity is delayed in the postpartum [ 9 ]. Furthermore, sexual abstinence is beneficial to the mother, for the body’s recovery and the process of healing the birth injuries [ 24 , 25 ].…”

“…This could be due to the fact that women living in rural area are more likely to adhere to traditional practices, and the cultural practice of sexual abstinence during the postpartum period. In addition, most women in rural residents separated from their spouses or partners and stayed with parents or relatives during the postpartum period [ 24 , 30 ].…”

“…This attributed to the male partner’s demand and pressure for sexual intercourse. In African, women usually initiate sexual intercourse against their will due to fear that the men will go elsewhere to have sex with other women [ 24 , 27 , 31 ]. Furthermore, the finding implies that the need of routine counseling and encouraging of couples, especially women, to voice out sexual concerns during the postpartum period.…”