Between the ages of 13 and 22a which was the age range of Mzantsi Wakho study participants (who at baseline were between the ages of 10–19).

Self-identified as male.

Selection was organised by circumcision status, given its centrality to identities and meanings of boyhood and manhood in the study site. The study included participants who were inkwenkwe (uncircumcised boys) as well as indoda (circumcised men), and interviewed some participants before and after ulwaluko.

Living with HIV, and initiated onto ART.

When possible, participants were recruited who researchers had observed to be willing and engaged participants in Mzantsi Wakho. It is acknowledged that selecting participants who seemed to enjoy talking that this may have introduced bias into the selection of participations for this study, which is discussed further in the ‘limitations’ section.

Provided verbal and written informed and voluntary consent (18 or over), or if they were under the age of 18, provided verbal and written informed and voluntary assent alongside the verbal and written informed and voluntary consent of their legal guardian.