Community norms for HIV risk behaviors among men in a South African township.
We investigated alcohol-related sexual risk behavior from the perspective of social norms theory. Adults (N = 895, 62% men) residing in a South African township completed street-intercept surveys that assessed risk and protective behaviors (e.g., multiple partners, drinking before sex, meeting sex partners in shebeens, condom use) and corresponding norms. Men consistently overestimated the actual frequency of risky behaviors, as reported by the sample, and underestimated the frequency of condom use. Relative to actual attitudes, men believed that other men were more approving of risk behavior and less approving of condom use. Both behavioral and attitudinal norms predicted the respondents' self-reported risk behavior. These findings indicate that correcting inaccurate norms in HIV-risk reduction efforts is worthwhile.
Carey
Kate B
KB
Center for Health and Behavior, Syracuse University, 430 Huntington Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244-2340, USA.
Scott-Sheldon
Lori A J
LA
Carey
Michael P
MP
Cain
Demetria
D
Mlobeli
Regina
R
Vermaak
Redwaan
R
Mthembu
Jacqueline
J
Simbayi
Leickness C
LC
Kalichman
Seth C
SC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D012044:Regression Analysis; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D021841:Safe Sex; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012945:Social Values; D013019:South Africa