AEGiS-14IAC: Addressing machismo with adolescent males--a new approach to HIV/AIDS prevention: Pan American Health Organization research and experiences in Latin America.

14th International AIDS Conference

Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

Addressing machismo with adolescent males--a new approach to HIV/AIDS prevention: Pan American Health Organization research and experiences in Latin America.

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. D11104)

Schutt-Aine J, Maddaleno M
Pan American Health Organization, Washington DC, United States

ISSUES: Young males in Latin America are disproportionately affected by AIDS. In contrast to other regions, Latin American young men have consistently higher HIV prevalence rates than young women (UNAIDS, 2000). The attitudes and sexual behaviors of males are at the core of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The socialization of males and machismo provide the framework for what it is to be a man. On average, adolescent boys initiate sex earlier than girls, they tend to accumulate more sexual partners over their lifetime, and, they usually determine when and where sex will take place and whether a condom will be used.

DESCRIPTION: PAHO conducted qualitative surveys in nine countries in the Region with adolescent males to explore their perception on masculinity, puberty and sexual behaviors. General trends indicate that adolescent males feel that masculinity is instinctive, uncontrollable and sometimes aggressive. They admit to a lack of communication with their fathers; and in many cases where communication exists, messages promote irresponsible sex, early sexual maturity and reinforce concepts of machismo. Being a man means being sexually active, not using condoms, not showing emotions, dominating over women and sometimes treating women as sexual objects. Recommendations - New Approaches: PAHO is developing a curriculum to work with soccer coaches in Latin America to introduce gender training in soccer camps with pre-adolescent and adolescent boys (8-14 years). Sports coaches are gifted in providing moral support, motivation and inspiration to their teams -- which contributes to self-esteem and confidence. Soccer coaches will be trained to transmit concepts of sexual health, HIV/AIDS prevention and violence prevention to adolescent boys on the soccer field. Soccer, the most popular sport in the Americas, will serve as a launching pad for promoting a new concept of masculinity.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Infections, Sex Behavior, Pan American Health Organization, Condoms, Research, HIV Seropositivity, Prevalence, Sexual Partners, Coitus, Latin America, Adolescent Behavior, Americas, Adolescent, Human, Male, Female, Adolescence, prevention & control

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D11104