Table 4 Men’s motivations by age group
Age group | Observed theme | Quote |
|---|---|---|
Young men | HIGH motivation level Hope: HIV was seen as treatable and it was possible to lead a full and happy life with HIV Social acceptance: testing and treatment were responsible actions | “(When taking ART) It's like you did not even contract HIV. You continue to live a normal life.” (Young man, centre, ID: C-M-76–07) |
Middle age men | MODERATE motivation level Social acceptance/rejection: testing and treatment may protect a man’s family from physical harm, but a positive status could threaten marriage prospects | “If you do not want to do the test, they will cancel the marriage. The marriage will be canceled. It is unavoidable.” (Middle age man, west, ID: W-M-93–11) |
Older men | LOW motivation level Fear: a positive HIV status was viewed as a death sentence Social rejection: a positive test could threaten a man’s standing in his family and community | “They feel ashamed because if the test shows positive, his surrounding will see him as someone who is not prudent, someone who is promiscuous. The fear is that the test may show positive, the shame is that when it is positive what will the people around him think of him.” (Older man, centre, ID:C-M-76–30) |