Masculinities, alcohol consumption, and sexual risk behavior among male tavern attendees: A qualitative study in North West Province, South Africa

Alcohol consumption is strongly associated with sexual risk behavior and HIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa. This article seeks to explore the role of constructions of masculinity in men's drinking and sexual risk behavior in drinking venues (bars and taverns) in 2 rural villages of North West Province, South Africa. Ten focus groups were conducted with 58 bar patrons and servers. Four focus groups consisted of female bar patrons, 4 consisted of male bar patrons, and 2 consisted of male bar managers and servers. The participants' ages ranged from 18 to 43 years, and they were interviewed using focus group discussion guides with open-ended questions. Key themes identified through thematic analysis were (a) men's high levels of alcohol consumption, (b) men's tendency to blame women for men's proneness to risky sex when drinking, (c) men's sexual objectification of women, and (d) the far-reaching consequences of sexism and violence perpetrated by men. Policies to promote gender equality are needed to ensure that men are more gender-sensitive, engage in more balanced gender relationships, and do not uphold any destructive gender stereotypes.