Hegemonic masculinity and risky sexual behaviours in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Abstract

This study assessed the relationship between hegemonic masculinity and HIV risky behaviours among men in UMgungundlovu district, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa. Methodology: The data was collected through a cross-sectional survey where 10,000 households were approached using a structured questionnaire, but only 3,895 men were considered for this study due to data completeness. Both descriptive and regression analyses were employed in data analysis using Stata 16. Results: The largest group of participants were aged 20-24 years (23%), had incomplete education (50%), no income (60%), always lived in the community (62.5%), were not away from home (91.7%), and were separated but still legally married (85.4%). In the regression analysis, only sex after drinking (β=0.54, P=0.025) and non-use of condoms (β=-0.37, P=0.005; β=-0.48, P=0.004) were significantly associated with masculinity norms. Conclusion: Hegemonic masculinity is associated with risky behaviours, incredibly sex after drinking and non-condom use, and safe male circumcision is a modifier to this relationship.