The frequent positioning of men's sexual risk-taking as driving We HIV/AIDS epidemic in South Africa has triggered interest in men's sexual and reproductive health (SREI) perceptions, altitudes, and practices. Much research, him\ ever, presents men as a homogenous group, and focuses on the quantifiable aspects of male sexual behiiviors, providing an inadequate basis 'Ur understanding men's SIZEI needs and addressing the gendered aspects of HIV prevention. This study used sexual history narratives to yield more nuanced and conlextualized understandings of male sexuality as it relates lo SIZEI. Filly sexual life hiqory individual intervie)As and 10 locus-group discussions (IDs) with men, as N1 ell as 25 !sexual life history interVieW With vomen, were conducted with participants purposively sampled lkom three age categories: (18 21, 25 55, and 55 + years), a wide range of cultural and racial backgrounds, and in urban and rural sires across 3 provinces in South Africa. Interviews and EC Ds elicited stories of participant's early knowledge of sex and sexual experimentation and Men explored sexual relationships and experiences, in adulthood including engagement with HIV risks and SREI in The data N1 ere analyzed using a thernalic approach. Many male participants conformed lo dominant norms of masculinity associated NN ill) a high risk of sexually transmitted infections including HIV, such as having regular unprotected sex, reluctance lo Lest for HIV, and poor SRH-seeking behaviors. Yet, lhe narrative accounts reveal instances of men Liking steps lo protect Weir own SIZEI and that of their partners, and We complex ways, in MUCH hegemonic gender norms influence men and women's, SRN. Ultimately, lhe study points to lhe value of sexual biogriThies for gaining a deeper understanding of in sexuality, and lhe social structures, meanings, and experiences that underlie it. Such insights are critical lo more effectively engaging men in HIV prevention efforts.
