title: Determinants of multiple sexual partnerships in South Africa.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This paper aims to examine determinants of multiple sexual partnerships (MSPs) among South African men and women using a nationally representative sample.
  
  
  METHODS
  Quantitative and qualitative data from a 2008 population-based cross-sectional survey were used. The analysis focused on the 6990 (33.6% of total sample) who were 15 years and older and reported sexual activity in the prior 12 months. The qualitative component consisted of 15 focus group interviews investigating values underlying MSP behaviors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Predictors of MSP common across gender were race, having a history of STI, being in a short relationships (<1 year) and suspecting the current partner of infidelity. MSP among men enjoyed greater community acceptance and was mainly done for social status. Furthermore, men reporting MSP were mostly younger (15-24 years old) and use condom at last sex. Among women, determinants of MSP included economic vulnerability, younger age at sexual debut and living in formal urban rather than formal rural areas.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The data presented in this paper reinforces the importance of MSP as a risk factor for HIV and outline factors that should strongly be considered in strengthening condom use promotion and of partner reduction programs messaging in South Africa.
authors.affiliation: HIV/AIDS, STI and TB Program, Human Sciences Research Council, 13th Floor, Plein Park Building, 69-83 Plein Street, Cape Town 8000, South Africa.
authors.forename: Dorina
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Onoya
authors.affiliation: Research Methodology Centre (RMC) Human Sciences Research Council, 134 Pretorius street, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa.
authors.forename: Khangelani
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Zuma
authors.affiliation: Office of the CEO, Human Sciences Research Council, 134 Pretorius street, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa.
authors.forename: Nompumelelo
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Zungu
authors.affiliation: Office of the CEO, Human Sciences Research Council, 134 Pretorius street, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa University of Cape Town, Private bag X3, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7701, South Africa.
authors.forename: Olive
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Shisana
authors.affiliation: HIV/AIDS, STI and TB Program, Human Sciences Research Council, 13th Floor, Plein Park Building, 69-83 Plein Street, Cape Town 8000, South Africa.
authors.forename: Vuyelwa
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Mehlomakhulu
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012737:Sex Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013019:South Africa; D047568:Unsafe Sex / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: HIV; South Africa; multiple sexual relationships; social values; transactional sex