Abstract
BackgroundWe conducted this study to understand roles of community leaders on adolescent’s HIV and Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) rights in Mulanje-Malawi. We discussed how each role can influence health seeking behaviour and improve SRH rights among adolescents from the local perspective.MethodsA qualitative study approach was used. We conducted 17 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and 12 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with community leaders. Purposive sampling technique was used to select study participants for KIIs. We also used purposive sampling technique to identify two villages from each of the six Traditional Authorities (TAs) where FGDs were conducted. All participants in FGDs were purposively selected. Inductive thematic content analysis was done guided by the study objectives to generate emerging themes.ResultsCommunity leaders have many roles on adolescents HIV and SRH. These roles include advisory, encouragement, regulating and restricting cultural practices, formulating bye-laws and handling sexual abuse complaints. However, community leaders with religious affiliation have shown to have different views with those representing other institutions not affiliated to religion. In addition, the majority of community leaders indicated low level of knowledge on adolescent’s SRH rights.ConclusionWe suggest that the roles of community leaders differ depending on the position held and institution represented. Those not affiliated with religious institutions can encourage certain behaviour in adolescents while those from religious background are discouraging it. Stakeholders involved in the fight against HIV, promotion of SRH and rights should invest more on capacity building among the community leaders.
Highlights
We conducted this study to understand roles of community leaders on adolescent’s Human Immunodeficient Virus (HIV) and Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) rights in Mulanje-Malawi
Advisory role on health life for adolescents We found that the majority of community leaders advises adolescents on abstinence to avoid contracting HIV
One of the key informant said: “I always talk with adolescents on the risk of HIV and how they can prevent it, I mostly put much emphasis on the need for them to abstain from premarital sex because in doing so they cannot contract HIV.” (Key informant 12)
Summary
We conducted this study to understand roles of community leaders on adolescent’s HIV and Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) rights in Mulanje-Malawi. In Malawi, there are both established and non-established traditional leadership positions like Traditional Authorities (TAs), Group Village Heads (GVHs), Village Heads (VHs), church leaders and initiation leaders (anakungwi or angalibas) [4] who are considered as custodians of culture, society values and customs [5]. They are held in high esteem among their followers and can assist in shaping behaviour of adolescents [1]. They are decision makers and regulate cultural practices and beliefs within their societies [8]
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