The influence of social constructs of hegemonic masculinity and sexual behaviour on acceptability of vaginal microbicides in Zambia

ABSTRACTVaginal microbicides are heralded as a woman’s HIV prevention method. This study, conducted in a microbicide clinical trial setting in Zambia, explored how the social construction of masculinity and sexual behaviour influenced the acceptability of vaginal microbicides. The data were generated from 18 In-depth Interviews and 8 Focus Group Discussions. The data were analysed thematically. The study found that hegemonic masculinity influenced the use of vaginal microbicides positively and negatively, in multiple ways including: decision to initiate gel use, autonomous use of the gel, and consistent use of the gel. Men were seen as heads of households and decision-makers who approved their partners’ intentions to initiate gel use. Autonomous gel use by women was not supported because it challenged men’s dominant position in sexual matters and at a family level. The socially accepted notion that men engaged in multiple sexual relationships also influenced women’s decision to use the gel. Sustained gel ...