Changes in condom use among males who have sex with males (MSM): Measuring the effect of HIV prevention programme in Dhaka city

Abstract

Background A systematic assessment was done to examine the effect of HIV interventions among MSM in Dhaka, Bangladesh. MSM were defined as males having sex with males but did not sell sex in the last year. MSM are hidden, marginalized and stigmatized population groups not only in Bangladesh but also globally. In 2010, HIV interventions for MSM were expanded in 40 districts of Bangladesh through 65 drop-in-centres (DICs) and peer outreach workers. Methods Data from two surveys on MSM in Dhaka in 2010 (baseline) and 2013 (midline) were used to analyse the effect of ongoing HIV prevention services. Both surveys used time location sampling to randomly select MSM for risk behaviour interviews. Two outcome variables were considered; condom use in the last anal sex act and consistent condom use during anal sex in the last month. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression methods were used to determine factors associated with condom use. Results Condom use significantly increased at the midline than baseline (p<0.001 for both). Multivariate analysis showed that having comprehensive knowledge of HIV and participation in HIV prevention programme were positively associated with both last time and consistent condom use. MSM who had comprehensive knowledge of HIV were 1.9 times (95% CI: 1.3-2.8, p = 0.002) and 2.1 times (95% CI: 1.4-3.2, p<0.001) more likely to use condoms than those who did not have comprehensive knowledge of HIV. The likelihood of using condoms among MSM was more than double at the midline than the baseline (p<0.01 for both).

Full title- acceptability and feasibility of HIV self-testing (HIVST) among MSM and transgender women (hijra) in Bangladesh: A mixed-method study

“…The other major reasons for acceptance included easy-to-use approach and ability to yield quick results (54.9 %), and painless procedure (52.5 %) that had also been mentioned in similar studies [ [27] , [28] , [29] , [30] ]. One reason for acceptance that was found particularly important was the strong recommendation of HIVST from peers which delineates the highly networked pattern of MSM and hijra here and the benefits of accessible DIC-based services that raised their awareness and provided a platform for exchanging ideas amongst themselves [ 31 ]. Such peer-based approaches can be particularly useful to introduce the community with HIVST approach, clarify issues like reasons of detection of HIV from oral fluid or dispel fear of getting harm from kit ingredients and may aid in further scale up.…”

Establishing a surveillance system on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of key populations (KPs) at risk of compromised outcome of SRHR- A protocol for a mixed-method study

“…The members of the survey team will also apply their own judgment to explore new spots and will take notes if any spot is closed or shifted to a new place so that it can also be visited. The study team members will also take measures to control duplications of KPs between or among spots as was applied in conducting HIV surveillance rounds in the past years [ 10 , 11 , 25 – 27 ].…”

“…This is to be mentioned that in the context of Bangladesh, the target population groups are highly stigmatised and their sexual behaviour (male-to-male sex) is not only culturally unaccepted but also prohibited by law so that there is no way we can identify and conduct face-to-face interview at their house where they live with their parents/siblings/other family members. Therefore, based on the context of Bangladesh, the process of taking consent and assent that is being followed in our study is being practised in conducing HIV surveillance rounds among KPs in Bangladesh over the years in the past [ 10 , 11 , 15 , 25 – 27 ].…”

Factors affecting healthcare-seeking behaviour among men who have sex with men in Starehe sub-county, Nairobi City County

“…As a result, MSMs are more vulnerable to HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) than the general population. MSMs need preventative services like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEp), hepatitis A and B vaccinations, and sexual protection devices (Reza et al, 2020). They also require medical attention for anal injuries and sexually transmitted illnesses such as gonorrhoea, giardiasis, syphilis, and human papillomaviruses.…”