“Mozwane” or “Party in Motion””: A Driver for HIV Infection Among Adolescents in Botswana

Introduction

Adolescents have low rates of HIV infection but are at high risk of adverse sexual health outcomes because of early engagement in unsafe sexual behaviors. The concept of “Mozwane” or “party in motion” has been identified by adolescents in Gaborone, Botswana as one of the drivers of adolescent sexuality problems. We explored the concept further to inform a proposed adolescent HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STI) and pregnancy prevention intervention.

Methods

This was part of a larger cross-sectional qualitative study, conducted between December 2011 and January 2012, on adolescents’ sexual behavior, to inform an adolescent HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STI) and pregnancy prevention intervention.  Forty adolescents selected through purposive sampling from high schools in Gaborone participated in a focus group discussion. The discussions for this part of the study focused on the understanding “Mozwane”, examples of its usage, the associated antecedents and consequences and what it meant in the context of HIV, STI and pregnancy prevention. Adolescents and parents/guardians gave written informed consent. Approval was obtained from the Ministry of Health Research and Development Committee, Ministry of Education and Skills Development, and University of Botswana Research and Development office..

Results

The participants were aged between 15 and 18 years. They explained that “Mozwane” is a common activity among adolescents. It involves collecting contributions to hire transport (a minibuses or combis) on weekends to look for fun parties around the city, without the knowledge of parents. They also use the contributions to purchase alcohol. During travel they’d have moving parties, drink, take drugs, and exchange sex, with the combi driver also participating. They agreed that this increased their risk for HIV, STIs and pregnancy.  

Discussion and conclusion

The results documented additional sexuality risks of adolescents and the need for focused education for adolescents and parents. There is need for further countrywide research on the concept and risk perception of adolescents related to this behavior.

Key words: “Mozwane”, “party in motion”, adolescents, sexuality risks, weekend parties.