Intimate partner violence is one of the major forms of violence against women, and it contributes to the inability of women to practice safer sex. This study uses a triangulation method to explore the relationship between intimate partner violence and condom use. Secondary data was used for both the quantitative and qualitative analyses. The results from both the quantitative and qualitative analyses revealed that women who report intimate partner violence are less likely to use condom. Other results from the quantitative analysis revealed that women with high socio-economic status are more likely to use condom. However, the qualitative analysis revealed that women experience intimate partner violence irrespective of their socio-economic status. Nevertheless, the two analyses revealed that a woman is less likely to use condom if her partner dislikes it. Moreover, negotiating for condom use could lead to further violence. As a result of this, there is need to target both men and women when addressing the issues of intimate partner violence and safer sex practice. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

One of the greatest and unresolved challenges that faces mankind today is HIV/AIDS and the effects that it has on people as well as society as a whole. South Africa is one of the countries worst affected by HIV/AIDS, with KwaZulu-Natal being one of the hardest hit provinces in the country. So, this pandemic is having a destructive effect on all spheres of life, and until a cure is found for this pandemic, it will continue to pose a threat to all of humankind. The aim of this study was to look at knowledge, attitudes, risk perception and condom use in two sites in KwaZulu Natal. The reason for doing this was because a study of this nature has not been done in these areas. A pre-existing dataset was used and data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The analysis was done using crosstabulations, frequencies and multivariate logistic regression. The major findings of this study are: (i) both men and women of all ages are knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS and condoms, as well as condom use; (ii) more women perceive themselves to be at risk than do men; (iii) women view condoms more positively than men; and (iv) respondents indicated knowledge and risk perception, but majority of them were not practising safer sexual behaviour. In conclusion, it was observed that knowledge about HIV/AIDS and condoms are universal, however, people perceiving themselves to be at risk are not practising safer sexual behaviours Le. they are not using condoms. / Thesis (M.Dev.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.Dev.Studies)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.