Sexual Transmitted Infection (STI) Risk Associated with Beliefs about Virginal Sex and Perceived Social Norms among Inmates in KwaZulu Natal

This study examines the association between self-reported beliefs of primarily Zulu speaking inmates regarding virginal sex and its perceived utility for the prevention of HIV/AIDS and STIs and its impact of perceived social norms regarding sexual activity. This exploratory study was conducted to identify bivariate correlates of beliefs regarding having sex with virgins among men who were incarcerated in two prisons in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Findings are based on self-reported data obtained from 180 participants. The mean age of the inmates was 28.14 (SD=7.57) years of age. This exploratory study of inmates housed in KwaZulu Natal prisons found that in general, the belief that sex with virgins can cure HIV/AIDS is marginal if that among this population, yet still has a profound impact on perceived social norms regarding sexual behavior among this inmate population.