The Preliminary Findings of a Study Exploring the Perceptions of a Sample of Young Heterosexual Males Regarding HIV Prevention Education Programming in Nova Scotia, Canada

Abstract

Abstract Despite the increasing numbers of young Canadian females becoming infected with HIV through heterosexual transmission with an infected male sexual partner, the majority of current HIV prevention programs and services in Canada continue to ignore the needs of young heterosexual males. This research is derived from 30 indepfh interviews, 9 focus groups and 13 indepfh interviews with sexual and reproductive health educators. The preliminary results of a province-wide, qualitative study on the sexual and reproductive needs of young sexually active males (n = 50) indicate that heterosexual males remain glaringly absent from HIV prevention programming in Nova Scotia. A number of key themes illustrate the current disconnect between sexual and reproductive health messages and the HIV prevention education needs of young heterosexual males. These themes include perceptions of male sexuality, peer norms, structural and attitudinal barriers to information, and confidentiality. This paper highlights these key themes in the context of focus groups conducted with a sample of young heterosexual males from across Nova Scotia, Canada. The paper concludes with possible directions for the development of healthy sexuality programming and HIV prevention education best practices for young, heterosexual males.