Exploring masculinities, sexual health and wellbeing across areas of high deprivation in Scotland: the depth of the challenge to improve understandings and practices

Within and across areas of high deprivation, we explored constructions of masculinity in relation to sexual health and wellbeing, in what we believe to be the first UK study to take this approach. Our sample of 116 heterosexual men and women age 18–40 years took part in individual semi-structured interviews (n = 35) and focus group discussions (n = 18), across areas in Scotland. Drawing on a socio-ecological framework, findings revealed experience in places matter, with gender practices rooted in a domestically violent milieu, where localised, socio-cultural influences offered limited opportunities for more egalitarian performances of masculinity. We discuss the depths of the challenge in transforming masculinities in relation to sexual health and wellbeing in such communities

Factors influencing uptake of voluntary counselling and testing services for HIV/AIDS in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality (LMKM) in the Eastern Region of Ghana: a cross-sectional household survey

Background Voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) is one of the nine strategies recommended for prevention and control of HIV globally. In this study, we assessed the awareness and utilisation of VCT services among residents of the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality (LMKM) in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Methods A population-based descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted with 200 participants, aged between 18 and 55 years. Participants were recruited using cluster and simple random techniques to take part in the survey. Data was analysed descriptively, as well as using regression analysis approach. Results Ninety-one percent of the respondents surveyed were aware of VCT services for HIV/AIDS. Seventy percent (70 %) have used VCT service in the last 12 months prior to the survey. Of this proportion, 97 % were satisfied with the quality of VCT services offered and indicated their willingness to recommend the service to others. Participants desire to know their HIV status (40 %), referral by health workers (25 %), and participants who wanted to get married (11 %) were the main reasons for increased uptake. Participants who had formal education, primary (OR = 1.8 (95 % CI 1.25–2.84)), junior high school (OR = 2.3 (95 % CI 1.54–3.37)), senior high school (OR = 2.8 (95 % CI 1.73–4.78)), and tertiary (OR = 3.4 (95 % CI 1.98–8.42)), had increased chance of using VCT service compared with participants who had no education (p < 0.001). Reasons for non-utilisation of VCT service were lack of awareness of the VCT service in the area (32 %), fear of being stigmatised (53 %), and the belief that HIV/AIDS cannot be cured and therefore the lack of need (5 %). Conclusions Although awareness and utilisation of VCT service rates were reportedly high, more efforts need to be done in order to increase awareness and promote utilisation. HIV/AIDS educational campaign programmes need to be strongly pursued, with emphasis on the benefits of VCT services. This has the potential of reducing stigma and increase utilisation

HIV counseling and testing among men in the University of Ghana: Implications for gender-based HIV and AIDS prevention interventions

HIV counseling and testing (CT) is one of the key strategies in the prevention and control of HIV and AIDS in Ghana. Although condoms remain a significant tool in the prevention of sexual transmission of HIV, they are often not used consistently or correctly due to some patriarchal beliefs resulting from the typical male roles that call for men and boys to be tough, aggressive, sexually dominant, and risk taking. What is more, the utilization of CT services among men is generally low. We therefore conducted a quantitative study of 600 men (median age = 22 years) to determine HIV counseling and testing among men in the University of Ghana. Overall, CT use among men was 19%. Of those who used CT, 84% did so voluntarily. The major barriers to CT use among men were due to &apos;non regular use of a condom&apos;, &apos;don&apos;t want to know&apos;, and &apos;fear of receiving an HIV positive test result&apos;. Results however revealed that age of respondents had a significant influence on HIV counseling and testing among men (p&lt;0.05). Key words: Human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, Human immunodeficiency virus counseling and testing, voluntary human immunodeficiency virus counseling and testing, University of Ghana, men