Myths about condoms and HIV/AIDS in rural northern Namibia

The Namibian government has sought to combat HIV/AIDS by promoting the use of condoms. Although condoms are a necessity and are being distributed free‐of‐charge in many places, their correct use is not widespread. The objective of this field research was to investigate the connotations men and women in northern Namibia attach to condoms and HIV/AIDS in general, and investigate the myths around condoms in particular. What socio‐cultural factors make the use of condoms difficult to achieve? If condoms denote safer sex, what else do they connote among users? What implied meanings do condoms carry in relationships involving men and women? Key informant interviews, participant observations and about 24 focus group discussions were held with Owambo males and females in rural northern Namibia to assess condom use in the prevention of HIV/AIDS transmission. The study found that awareness of the disease is high and condoms are known in rural northern Namibia as a method of protection against HIV/AIDS. There are several gender differences in that women are more willing to use condoms than men. Although both men and women worry about condom use, they do so differently. Women worry about the intentions of men in condom use. The findings are interpreted using Barthes' ideas on myth.