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Protective Factors and HIV Risk Behavior Among South African Men

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Abstract

The primary mode of HIV transmission in South Africa is heterosexual sexual behavior. HIV prevention research specifically focusing on men in South Africa is limited. We assessed self-reported HIV risk behaviors in 1,181 men ages 18 to 45 years in randomly selected neighborhoods in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Older men were less likely to report having multiple partners. Religiosity was a protective factor for condom use and unprotected sex with steady partners. Discussing using condoms was a protective factor for condom use and unprotected sex with both steady and casual partners. Having a child was associated with decreased condom use with steady partners and employment was associated with decreased condom use with casual partners. The findings suggest the need for HIV risk-reduction behavioral interventions tailored for South African men with regard to age, religiosity, and types of sexual partners. Implications for the development of such interventions are discussed.

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Acknowledgments

This study was funded by research Grant R01 HD053270 from the National Institutes of Health. The funder had no role in the design and conduct of the study; collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of the data; and preparation, review, or approval of the manuscript. The findings and conclusions here are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The authors appreciate the contributions of Joseph Cebanto, Dr. Costa Gazi, Johann Evertse, Prof. Leigh Evertse, Janet Hsu, BA, Shasta Jones, PhD, Monde Makiwane, PhD, Gcobani Matiwane, Monde Mtose, Pretty Ndyebi, BSc, Clifford Panter, MBBCh, and Lulama Sidloyi, BSc. We thank all of the men who participated in the study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street, Suite 520, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-3309, USA

    G. Anita Heeren & John B. Jemmott III

  2. College of Health Professions and Social Work, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Larry D. Icard

  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA

    Ann O’Leary

  4. Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    John B. Jemmott III

  5. Department of Anthropology, Haverford College, Haverford, PA, USA

    Zolani Ngwane

  6. Faculty of Education, University of Fort Hare, East London, South Africa

    Xoliswa Mtose

Authors
  1. G. Anita Heeren
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  2. Larry D. Icard
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  3. Ann O’Leary
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  4. John B. Jemmott III
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  5. Zolani Ngwane
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  6. Xoliswa Mtose
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to John B. Jemmott III.

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Heeren, G.A., Icard, L.D., O’Leary, A. et al. Protective Factors and HIV Risk Behavior Among South African Men. AIDS Behav 18, 1991–1997 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-014-0767-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-014-0767-2

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