| Abstract: | There is widespread demand for the development of female controlled methods of protection against sexually transmitted diseases and HIV. The success of such methods will depend on their acceptability to women and their male partners. Currently, the only form of HIV prevention under women's control is the female condom. This paper reports on men's attitudes to female controlled methods in southwest Uganda. Data were collected in individual interviews with 50 men and 7 focus group discussions with 42 men. The men's attitudes to male condoms, female condoms and female controlled methods of protection generally were characterized by ambiguity and anxiety. Though men liked the male condom because it protects against infection and unwanted pregnancy, they were worried by rumors that it was unreliable. The central theme in the discussions was the anxiety of men about retaining control over their female partners. While men wanted women to be protected, they also wanted to remain in control, at least to some extent, of the means of protection. Once suitable female controlled methods have been identified, it will be necessary to use education and social marketing in a manner that men can be reassured of the positive benefits of these products to them as well as to women. |
