Gendered talk about sex, sexual relationships and HIV among young people in Papua New Guinea.
This paper presents findings from a qualitative study carried out in three secondary schools in Eastern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea (PNG). Seventy-three Year 12 students took part in eight gender-specific focus group discussions (three female and five male). Irrespective of gender, respondents predominately understood sex as being for the sole purpose of reproduction within marriage. When discussing sex and sexual relationships, young men used explicit language and referred specifically to sexual organs and activities. Young women did not. Less concerned for privacy, young men talked in public spaces and in groups with same-sex peers about sex and sexual expression, whereas young women discussed such matters one-on-one and in private. These gender differences provide useful entry points for developing appropriate sex and HIV education programmes involving young people in PNG.
Kelly
Angela
A
Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea.
Worth
Heather
H
Akuani
Frances
F
Kepa
Barbara
B
Kupul
Martha
M
Walizopa
Lucy
L
Emori
Rebecca
R
Cangah
Brenda
B
Mek
Agnes
A
Nosi
Somu
S
Pirpir
Lawrencia
L
Keleba
Kritoe
K
Siba
Peter
P
D000293:Adolescent; D001290:Attitude; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010219:Papua New Guinea; D012737:Sex Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior