Men speak: A photovoice exploration on young men's perceptions of sexual responsibility safer sex

Background: Despite public health efforts to prevent transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), young people between the ages of 15-24 are still at greatest risk of contracting Chlamydia and gonorrhea, making them more at risk for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Low condom use, low perceived risk of contracting HIV/STIs, inadequate interpersonal communication, relationship power and gender roles all play a part in these epidemic rates among heterosexual young adults. While there is some insight into women’s perspective, there is a dearth of research on heterosexual men’s perspectives related to inconsistent use of condoms. Results from research with college women indicate that the voices of college men needed to be heard.  The purpose of this research was to explore messages about gender roles and safer sex responsibility among college males, with the goal of targeting and changing those messages to promote condom use and awareness among young men.

Methods: Photovoice, a qualitative, community-based, action-oriented research methodology was employed with seven heterosexual male, undergraduate college students.  Questions focused on relationship issues, media messages, and responsibility for safer sex.  

Results: Using the Social Ecological Model as a framework, results indicate that young men receive messages indicating condoms are a women’s responsibility. Further, their main priority in safer sex is pregnancy prevention, with disease prevention an afterthought because of a low sense of perceived risk. The need for more awareness raising was emphasized by participants.

Conclusions: Understanding reasons of low condom use from a qualitative and social ecological perspective can strengthen HIV/STI prevention programs for young adults.