Rendering visible heterosexually active men in Brazil: A national study on sexual behaviour, masculinities and HIV risk

Abstract

The HIV epidemic has not spread widely among heterosexuals in countries with medium to high per capita income rates. To understand this phenomenon in Brazil, this article analyses data from a national survey to distinguish groups of heterosexually active men in relation to their risk of infection. The analysis used an odds ratio to estimate the chance of belonging to the group of greatest risk and factor analysis to understand patterns of masculinity. It was found that a pattern of restricted sexual behaviour (having a stable partner, a relatively reduced sexual network and infrequent extraconjugal activities) limited the spread of HIV. Fewer than 1 in 10 of men presented great risk of infection. The odds of belonging to this group rose according to sexual characteristics and cultural values. Men presenting a pattern of masculinity that showed satisfaction with one's sexuality were 2.3 times more likely to belong to the group at great risk, while a pattern of physical self-care and attention to one's health reduced such a risk. The study therefore shows that heterosexual men are not a homogeneous group. Gender norms influence the risk of HIV infection and a small portion of men should be considered within preventative policies.