The impact of masculinity on pre-exposure prophylaxis (prep) utilization amongst men who have sex with men (MSM) in South Africa
Date
2021
Authors
Seotsanyana, Lindiwe
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Abstract
Although major strides have been achieved in HIV prevention in recent years, MSM still bear the greatest disease burden when it comes to HIV. Biomedical preventative strategies such as PrEP have been developed to reduce HIV burden amongst MSM. This study sought to respond to the research question, ‘what is the impact of masculinity on utilization of PrEP amongst MSM?’ A qualitative research methodology was adopted, and a sample of twenty-one MSM was interviewed through purposive sampling using snowballing. The enactment of masculine norms coupled with the stigma and discrimination experienced while accessing healthcare services, places many MSM at risk of HIV infection. Barriers to PrEP access need to be addressed not only to cater for MSM’s needs at individual level but also at structural and institutional level through policy related interventions as recommended by social-ecological model, in order to expand access to healthcare and improve MSM’s wellbeing and health outcomes.
Description
A research report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Arts to the Faculty of Humanities, School of Social Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 2021