AIDS: conceptual and methodological issues in researching sexual behaviour in sub-Saharan Africa

This paper describes some of the conceptual and methodological issues encountered in the course of a study of mainly anthropological secondary source materials on sexual behaviour in sub-Saharan Africa. Its aim was to survey and review existing literature and other secondary sources available both outside and within Anglophone sub-Saharan Africa and to evaluate their usefulness to AIDS research and prevention. The review cautioned against the uncritical use of anthropological sources without due regard for their conceptual and methodological status. At the same time it demonstrated important ways in which anthropological insights can inform AIDS research.