Correlates of Sexual Violence Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Tijuana, Mexico

Abstract

Sexual violence against men who have sex with men (MSM) is prevalent in developing countries and is associated with increased HIV/STI risk. Despite high HIV prevalence (20%) among MSM in Tijuana, Mexico, little attention has been paid to the occurrence of sexual violence in this high-risk group. The present study used a syndemic conditions framework to examine correlates of sexual violence victimization in a sample of 201 MSM surveyed in Tijuana, Mexico during 2012 and 2013. Participants were recruited through respondent-driven sampling (RDS) and underwent a two-hour baseline interview and testing for HIV and syphilis. Sexual violence was defined as any incident during the past year in which the participant had been raped, sexually molested, or sexually harassed. The majority of participants self-identified as gay or bisexual, had never married, were employed, and had a high school education or greater. The average age was 29.7 years. Thirty-nine percent reported sexual violence in the past year. A hierarchical multiple linear regression model predicting more experiences of sexual violence was tested. In a final model, a higher number of experiences of sexual violence was associated with a history of childhood sexual abuse, more adult experiences of homophobia, more depression and hostility symptoms, and not living with a spouse or steady partner. The findings from this study support a model of co-occurring psychosocial factors that increase the likelihood of sexual violence experiences among MSM. Multi-level approaches to the prevention of childhood and adult experiences of sexual violence and homophobia are needed to avert the development of adverse mental and physical health outcomes associated with sexual violence victimization.

Factors Associated with Sexual Risk of HIV Transmission Among HIV-Positive Latino Men Who have Sex with Men on the U.S.-México Border

“…Among MSM living with HIV, the frequency of depression and childhood sexual abuse is higher than among HIV-negative MSM, and both depression and childhood sexual abuse are related to subsequent sexual risk and substance use [22, 23]. Sexual assault in adulthood may be particularly high among Latino MSM in border regions [24]. Substance use itself has also been associated with sexual risk behavior among MSM living with HIV [25], among Latino MSM specifically [26–29], and distinguished as an HIV risk factor for both U.S. and foreign-born Latino MSM [30].…”

Correlates of condomless anal sex among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Tijuana, Mexico: The role of public sex venues

“…Mayer et al [ 99 ] refer to “prevention packages with culturally-tailored components” (p.6) that in the Mexican context would ideally include enhanced promotion of condom use and distribution of condoms, improved availability of and access to mental health treatment and counseling services, and expanded HIV/STI testing in public venues. Such interventions would also ideally address prevailing social conditions in Mexico, including poverty, homophobia, discrimination and violence against MSM [ 100 – 102 ].…”

Re-Examination of Quality of Life Indicators in US - Mexico Border Cities: a Critical Review

“…Others have investigated gastrointestinal issues such as irritable bowel syndrome among residents on both sides of the border (Molokwu et al 2017;Zuckerman et al 2018). The health of sex workers and sexual violence (in general) in the region has also been investigated (Nowotny et al 2017;Semple et al 2017). Finally, homelessness has also been researched (Moya et al 2017).…”