Sexual behaviour of second generation Moroccan immigrants balancing between traditional attitudes and safe sex

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Abstract

Young Moroccan Islamic immigrants are balancing the challenges of modern society and the influences of their cultural and social backgrounds. Prevention and information programs need insights into their knowledge, attitudes and behaviour concerning choice of partner, sexuality, contraception, STD and AIDS prevention. In a qualitative research project, Moroccan adolescents were invited to focus groups. The results show the specific influence of family, religion and tradition, the importance of virginity at marriage for girls, and the “almost evidence” of premarital coitus for boys. These adolescents have limited knowledge of contraceptives, STD and AIDS. Some boys pretend to perform safe sex in certain “unfixed” circumstances but show no concern about the possible risks for future virgin spouses. Most of the girls do not consider safe sex before or after marriage. There is a taboo on homosexuality.

Introduction

Previous quantitative and qualitative research among married Moroccan women in Flanders showed that contraception is widely used, and there is a demand for reliable information and adequate explanation. Sexuality is discussed openly among women, and getting their husband involved in family planning is important to them [1], [2]. A number of misconceptions remain about the various contraceptive methods. Lack of knowledge at anatomy, physiology, and the use of different methods of contraception lead to mistakes in the use of contraception resulting in unwanted pregnancies [1]. Culturally-related factors and the impact of the female network maintain misconceptions [1]. These women also have sons and daughters and we know far less about the adolescents. Airhihenbuwa describes the influence of the family on health beliefs and behaviour. Although African youth is constantly exposed to western values, their interpretations of these values are often based on their interactions with, and their relationships with their families, and family relationships are often characterised by experiences that are based in traditional culture [3].

Among ethnic minorities, young people are less well informed about sexuality than the majority population and there are many differences in attitudes and behaviour [4], [5], [6].

Between 1961 and 1974 migrants came to Belgium from several countries including Morocco. In 1974 immigration was stopped: those joining their spouse or family were admitted. At the end of the 1980s, the rate of immigration from Morocco stabilised. In most of the cases it concerned “marriage immigration” [1]. On the 1st of January 1998 there were 132,891 people with Moroccan nationality in Belgium, of which 19.13% were between 15 and 24 years old [7]. This does not include all people with Moroccan roots. Some gained the Belgian nationality. Between 1992 and 1995, 30,146 Moroccans became Belgian citizens [7]. The highest concentration of people with Moroccan roots remains in the big cities, but with integration and emancipation they have become dispersed throughout the country.

The second generation of young Moroccan immigrants (born in Belgium, or raised there since childhood) is balancing the challenges of our modern society and the influences of Islamic cultural and social backgrounds. In the health care situation, the language problem is not a problem, but the influence of their cultural roots and education persist. The objective of this study was to obtain information directly from Moroccan adolescents about their expectations concerning marriage, choice of partner and family planning, and on their attitudes related to premarital sexuality, contraception use, safe sex and prevention of STDs and AIDS.

Section snippets

Method

A qualitative research project was performed using focus group discussions [8], [9], [10]. Between June 1997 and June 1998, 27 Moroccan boys and 28 Moroccan girls were invited to participate in nine focus groups, in Antwerp, Belgium. The number of participants in each group was between four and eight persons. They were recruited from Moroccan youth centres and a family practice in Antwerp. In the youth centres, the group leaders invited the boys and girls to participate. There were several

Results

The total of 53 participants, 27 boys and 28 girls, attended the focus group sessions (Table 1). The age distribution was between 15 and 21 years, with an average age of 17–18. Forty-four had lived in Belgium since birth, or since the first year of life. Half of them were of Arabic origin and half of Berber origin. Forty-four were currently going to school: mostly in lower secondary, 12 in higher secondary, and 1 in university. The number of brothers and sisters was in 38 cases between 5 and 8

Discussion

Qualitative research may explore and describe social phenomena about which little is known a priori. Qualitative reports offer access and insight into particular social settings, activities, attitudes, or experiences. A series of hypotheses can be generated from it [15]. Focus groups provide an opportunity to observe group interaction and peer-group influence [10]. To study our topic, this method was very suitable. The adolescents were encouraged to talk to one another. Social interactions were

Acknowledgements

Thanks are due to the “Sexuality and Contraception Project” from the Scientific Society of Flemish General Practitioners (funded by the Flemish Ministry) and the Centre for Population and Family studies. We also wish to thank the Moroccan adolescents who accepted to discuss in the focus groups. Finally, we thank Mariem Abad who transcribed all the tapes, and Dr. Dirk Avondts, Dr. Etienne Vermeire, Dr. Louis Ferrant, Dr. Hans Antonneau, Dr. Leo Schillemans from the Antwerp Centre for General

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