The Relationship between Intimate Partner Violence, Rape and HIV amongst South African Men: A Cross-Sectional Study
2011

Intimate Partner Violence, Rape, and HIV in South African Men

Sample size: 1229 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Rachel Jewkes, Yandisa Sikweyiya, Robert Morrell, Kristin Dunkle

Primary Institution: School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

Hypothesis

To investigate the associations between intimate partner violence, rape and HIV among South African men.

Conclusion

Perpetration of physical IPV is associated with HIV sero-prevalence in young men, while rape perpetration was not associated with HIV.

Supporting Evidence

  • 18.3% of men tested positive for HIV.
  • 29.6% of men disclosed rape perpetration.
  • Men under 25 who were physically violent were more likely to have HIV.

Takeaway

This study found that young men who are violent towards their partners are more likely to have HIV, but rapists do not have a higher HIV rate.

Methodology

Cross-sectional study involving a randomly-selected sample of men aged 18–49, using questionnaires and blood samples for HIV testing.

Potential Biases

Potential under-reporting of violence and sexual behavior due to social stigma.

Limitations

The study may not generalize to all South African men due to differences in demographics between those who provided blood and those who did not.

Participant Demographics

Men aged 18-49, predominantly Black African (85%), with a significant portion under 25 years old.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.03

Confidence Interval

95% CI 1.07–4.06

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0024256

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