The effect of the behaviour of black South African men of Mthatha district on HIV/AIDS prevalence

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study has attempted to investigate the effects that behaviour of Black South African men has on HIV/AIDS prevalence at three communities in Mthatha District viz: Qokolweni, Zimbane and Corana Administrative Areas. This research sought to investigate the social background and the behaviour patterns of men and how that affects women in relation to HIV/AIDS prevalence.Participants were randomly selected i.e. 60 participants from each community. Interview schedules were used ranging from open to closed questions. This allowed participants to be free to bring up whatever they wished and allowed them to be free to answer in whichever manner they wished. The purpose here was to get to know their honest feelings.In responding to the research question the researcher looked at the following manifestations of men.s behaviour in relation to HIV/AIDS prevalence: gender inequities and male dominance, behavioural patterns, cultural background and socialization, physical and social violence and rape.The following barriers to intervention were identified: socio-cultural issues, low levels of condom use, cultural stereo types, stigma and discrimination, lack of knowledge and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS, poverty and commercialisation of sex.The findings showed that there is a relationship between behaviour patterns and HIV/AIDS prevalence; that the socio-cultural background contributes negatively on the behaviour and mannerisms of men as they grow from boyhood to adulthood; that there is a relationship between the refusal to use condoms amongst boys and HIV/AIDS prevalence. Unsafe sex significantly spreads not only HIV/AIDS but also sexually transmitted diseases. The investigation also indicated that behaviour changes cannot occur overnight and that in the meantime the relationship still exists between the inability to change negative behaviour and HIV/AIDS prevalence.It was found that there is a relationship between the refusal to use condoms amongst boys and HIV/AIDS prevalence. Unsafe sex significantly spreads not only HIV/AIDS but all sexually transmitted diseases.The test results also indicated a relationship between non-negotiation of sexual activities and HIV/AIDS perpetration. Some men engage in sexual activities such as dry sex which render women vulnerable to HIV/AIDS without caring for what they do or how their partners feels.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University