HIV risk behavior among men who have sex with men

• Published in: North American journal of medical sciences 2013-09, Vol.5 (9), p.515-522
• Main Authors: Silan, Vijay, Kant, Shashi, Haldar, Partha, Goswami, Kiran, Rai, Sanjay, Misra, Puneet
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Condoms; Health aspects; HIV infection; MSM (Men who have sex with men); Original; Risk factors; Risk-taking (Psychology); Sexual behavior; Sexually transmitted diseases
• ISSN: 1947-2714; 2250-1541; 1947-2714
• DOI: 10.4103/1947-2714.118931

Background: Sentinel surveillance reported high human immunodeficiency virus positivity rates among men who have sex with men. The current study has described the high-risk behavior and self-reported sexually transmitted infection(s) among self-identified men who have sex with men. Aims: The present study was to find out the extent of high-risk behavior and prevalence of self-reported sexually transmitted diseases among self-identified men who have sex with men, registered with selected nongovernmental organizations in Delhi. Materials and Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was done among 250 men who have sex with men during March 2009 to February 2010, through consecutive sampling strategy. Results: Majority (80%) were anal-receptive, received money for sex (61%) and were involved in all types of sexual intercourse with men (oral-86%, manual-97%, and anal-94%). Consistent condom use with male partner was low (46%), most common reason (52%) for not using condom was, that either the condoms were not available or the partner objected. Self-reported sexually transmitted infection(s) was 41% in the past 12 months. Conclusions: This study underscores the increased vulnerability of men who have sex with men of Delhi and need for sustained interventions.