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Gender-Transformative Interventions to Reduce HIV Risks and Violence with Heterosexually-Active Men: A Review of the Global Evidence

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Abstract

Emerging out of increased attention to gender equality within HIV and violence prevention programming has been an intensified focus on masculinities. A new generation of health interventions has attempted to shift norms of masculinity to be more gender equitable and has been termed “gender-transformative.” We carried out a systematic review of gender-transformative HIV and violence prevention programs with heterosexually-active men in order to assess the efficacy of this programming. After reviewing over 2,500 abstracts in a systematic search, a total of 15 articles matched review criteria. The evidence suggests that gender-transformative interventions can increase protective sexual behaviors, prevent partner violence, modify inequitable attitudes, and reduce STI/HIV, though further trials are warranted, particularly in establishing STI/HIV impacts. In the conclusion, we discuss the promises and limitations of gender-transformative work with men and make suggestions for future research focused on HIV and/or violence prevention.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of California at San Francisco, 3333 California Street, LHTS #455, San Francisco, CA, 94118, USA

    Shari L. Dworkin

  2. Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Department of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA

    Shari L. Dworkin, Sarah Treves-Kagan & Sheri A. Lippman

Authors
  1. Shari L. Dworkin
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  2. Sarah Treves-Kagan
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  3. Sheri A. Lippman
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Correspondence to Shari L. Dworkin.

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Dworkin, S.L., Treves-Kagan, S. & Lippman, S.A. Gender-Transformative Interventions to Reduce HIV Risks and Violence with Heterosexually-Active Men: A Review of the Global Evidence. AIDS Behav 17, 2845–2863 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-013-0565-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-013-0565-2

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