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

Date
2011-12
Authors
Madikizela, Nomava
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
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.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie ondersoek die invloed van die gedrag van swart mans in die Mthatha distrik op die voorkomns van MIV/Vigs. Die meer spesifieke doel van die ondersoek is 'n ontledig van die sosiale agtergrond en gedragspatrone van mans en die wyse waarop dit vrouens ten opsigte van MIV/Vigs beïnvloed. Deelnemers was ewekansig geselekteer en 60 deelnemers is vanuit elke gemeenskap in die steekproef ingesluit. Die vraelys was oop-einde ten einde maksimum geleentheid aan deelnemers te bied om hulle werklik gevoel uit te spreek. Bevindings van die studie het aangetoon dat daar 'n beduidende verwantskap bestaan tussen die gedragsatrone van die mans in die steekproef en die voorkoms van MIV/Vigs in die studiegebied. Daar is verder bevind dat daar „n beduidende verband bestaan tussen seuns se weiering on kondome te gebruik en die voorkoms van MIV/Vigs. Die noodwendige negatiewe gevolg van hierdie gedragspatroon word in die studie bespreek. Voorstelle word gemaak vir aksies wat moontlik die gedragspatrone van mans kan aanpas ten einde die voorkoms van MIV/Vigs op hierdie wyse te probeer voorkom.
Description
Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2011.
Keywords
Black men -- Behavior patterns -- South Africa -- Mthatha District, HIV/AIDS -- South Africa -- Mthatha District, Black men -- Sexual behavior -- South Africa -- Mthatha, Dissertations -- Industrial psychology, Theses -- Industrial psychology, Assignments -- Industrial psychology, Dissertations -- HIV/AIDS management, Theses -- HIV/AIDS management
Citation