Abstract:
The use of condom will provide men and women 100% protection against HIV and AIDS
infection. However, the acceptability of condom use in sexual relations including marriage is
confronted with culturally entrenched barriers. Health care providers as being socialised within
the communities with specific cultures also experience barriers regarding condom use. The
purpose of the study was to explore and describe culture and marriage as barriers regarding
condom use among health care providers in Tshwane. A qualitative, focused ethnography design
was used. Data collection was through semi-structured interviews using three research questions.
The population included health care providers who were responsible for provision of HIV and
AIDS programmes in selected health care settings in Tshwane. Purposive sampling was used and
ethical principles were upheld. Trustworthiness was ensured. Results indicated that irrespective
of health care providers being knowledgeable on condom use, when faced with condom use in
their sexual relationships they are confronted by culturally entrenched barriers. Marriage
becomes a barrier for condom use as it is culturally embedded. Norms and values determining
men and women’s behaviour in a relationship stipulate that men are decision makers. As such,
health care providers’ sexual partners refuse to use condoms. It is recommended that culturally
sensitive programmes be developed and health care providers receive appropriate training to
address culture and marriage as barriers regarding condom use in their sexual relationships.
