Sexual Communication Self-Efficacy, Hegemonic Masculine Norms & Condom Use among Heterosexual Couples in South Africa

Hegemonic masculine norms (HMN), which promote sexual risk-taking among males and the subordination of women, are believed to play a key role in the HIV epidemic among heterosexual couples in South Africa (SA). Sexual communication self-efficacy (SCSE) (i.e., a couple's confidence in their ability to communicate about HIV prevention) may be a key leverage point for increasing HIV prevention behaviors among this population. 

We found that couples with higher SCSE have greater odds of consistent condom use. Furthermore, male endorsement of HMN was found to be negatively associated with consistent condom use among couples. Joint HIV serostatus was not significantly associated with the outcome. 

Future interventions that equip heterosexual couples with sexual communication skills, while simultaneously promoting more gender equitable norms, may increase consistent condom use and thereby reduce the transmission of HIV among this at-risk population.

Via: http://ht.ly/ScNfN 

By: Leddy A1, Chakravarty D, Dladla S, de Bruyn G, Darbes L.

• 1a Department of Health, Behavior and Society , Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , MD , USA.