Abstract
Two studies evaluating the same behavioural intervention were conducted in two areas in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa using a randomized pre-test post-test control group design for study 1 (peri-urban) and a pre-test post-test design without a control group for study 2 (rural). The intervention included discussions and skills training on: (1) notions of masculinity, manhood, and responsibility, (2) personal and sexual relationships, (3) general communication skills, and (4) alcohol and other substance use. The intervention was aimed at men between 18 and 35 years of age. Measures of attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control and intention for condom use, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing, reduction of alcohol and drug use, avoiding sex while intoxicated, and avoiding sex with intoxicated people were assessed using a facilitator-administered questionnaire. The results for study 1 showed that 4 of the 19 variables scored significantly different at baseline and that all 19 variables showed no significant changes between pre-test and post-test. For study 2, one significant difference was found for attitude towards avoiding sex when one is intoxicated. Overall, the intervention had minimal success with just one area of positive effect. Further development and testing of this programme is recommended before it can be considered for broader scale implementation.
Highlights
South Africa has the largest population of people infected with HIV, at 7.9 million people [1], and the province of KwaZulu-Natal has the highest rate of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)infection in the country [2]
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a behavioural intervention to reduce risky sexual behaviours of non-condom use, not testing for HIV, use of alcohol and drugs, engaging in sexual activities while intoxicated or with a partner who is intoxicated with alcohol or drugs, in a population of young men between the ages of 18 and 35 in the KwaZulu-Natal province
The objectives of this study were to test the effectiveness of a behavioural intervention developed to target risky sexual behaviours of lack of correct or consistent condom use, not getting tested for HIV, alcohol and drug use, sexual intercourse when one is intoxicated, and lastly, sexual intercourse with intoxicated people
Summary
South Africa has the largest population of people infected with HIV, at 7.9 million people [1], and the province of KwaZulu-Natal has the highest rate of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Infection in the country [2]. Risky sexual behaviours remain one of the major contributors to new HIV infections and continue to hamper prevention strategies. Key risky behaviours include multiple concurrent sexual partnerships, non or incorrect and inconsistent use of condoms, and engaging in sexual activities while intoxicated or under the influence of illicit substances [3,4,5,6]. It is important that these behaviours are not observed in isolation from each other. Res. Public Health 2019, 16, 1938; doi:10.3390/ijerph16111938 www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph
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