Marseille 2007
| Abstract #117 - Mens experiences of antiretroviral drugs in a South African rural site: implications for masculinity. | ||||
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Session: 39.9: Treatment (Parallel) on Tuesday @ 14.00-16.00 in HC Chaired by Robin Hamilton, Raffaele Visintini Authors: Presenting Author: Mr Sakhumzi Mfecane - Wits University, South Africa |
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| Additional Authors: | ||||
| Aim: This paper focuses on a relationship between living with HIV/AIDS and conceptions masculinity. Drawing from the results of an ongoing study with men taking antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), it examines changes in masculine ideologies and lifestyles that followed HIV-related sickness and enrollment in treatment. Implications for masculinity are explored. | ||||
| Method / Issue: In-depth, structured and unstructured interviews were conducted with 20 men aged between 27-54, and taking antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) at a public health facility. They were recruited from support groups of people living with HIV and AIDS. Interviews covered participants life history, masculinity, living with HIV, and taking ARVs. All interviews were tape-recorded and transcribed. | ||||
| Results / Comments: Before they discovered their HIV status, participants adopted lifestyles associated with locally dominant notions of masculinity such as being outgoing (socializing outside home, drinking, etc), dominant in sexual relationships, promiscuous, and opposed to seeking medical help. The experience of living with HIV/AIDS and demands of ARVs, however, resulted in rejection of these lifestyles and adoption of alternative ones. Participants became socially withdrawn, monogamous (or sexually inactive), gender-equal, and sought regular medical help. In the broader context of their health needs, they perceived lifestyle changes as having little or no impact on their sense of masculinity. Other men outthere were condemned for continuing to adopt unhealthy and risky lifestyles associated with successful masculinity. | ||||
| Discussion: The experience of living with HIV and AIDS seems to transform masculine ideologies mens behaviour in positive ways. There is, however, a need to intervene at a community level by encouraging men to test earlier for HIV. This can improve their help-seeking behaviour and maximize the effectiveness of AIDS treatment. | ||||
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