OBJECTIVES: This qualitative study examines the association between the somatic culture of heterosexual men and their choice of a protection strategy against HIV/Aids.METHODS: Verbal data was generated in 23 specific interviews with Swiss German men in the age between 25 and 65 years. The analysis was based on an integration of open coding and documentary interpretation. Contrasting and systematic comparison of the cases led to a classification into types, on the basis of which the major research question could be examined.RESULTS: The study identifies four different types of somatic cultures and demonstrates that they are highly relevant for the choice of a protection strategy against HIV/Aids.CONCLUSIONS: By introducing the concept of somatic culture as a explanatory factor, this study represents an important addition to the socio-cognitive models of protection and risk behaviour in HIV/Aids. It contributes to a theoretically broader understanding and better targeted prevention for heterosexual men.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Adolescent