Zambian Sexual Health Solution Stories 1-6

This project explored young people’s sexual health behaviours in urban Zambia with the aim of illuminating the gap between knowledge and action. Over a 5-week period, the researcher engaged a group of 20 young people in an action research project. Together we first attempted to identify the barriers that prevent young people from converting what they know about HIV/sexual health into action to avoid risk and seek safer sexual health behaviours. Then we attempted the more difficult task of identifying strategies and mechanisms that young people might use to circumvent those barriers. The project utilised, relatively conventional participatory focus-group discussions, but also participatory drama productions to identify issues and gather data. It also used participatory film production, particularly in the latter stages, to explore and enact solutions to common situations experienced in relation to peers, partners and parents when attempting to negotiation fulfilling and protected sexual relations.