The effect of mobility on sexual risk behaviour and HIV infection: a cross-sectional study of men who have sex with men in southern India

Abstract

ObjectivesMobility is an important factor contributing to the spread of HIV among key population at risk for HIV; however, research linking this relationship among men who have sex men (MSM) is scarce in India. This study examines the association between mobility and sexual risk behaviour and HIV infection among MSM in southern India.MethodsData are drawn from a cross-sectional biobehavioural survey of 1608 self-identified MSM from four districts of Andhra Pradesh in India, recruited through a probability-based sampling in 2009–2010. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios and 95% CIs for sexual risk behaviours (unprotected sex with any male partner) and HIV infection based on the mobility status (travelled and had sex in the past year) after adjusting for sociodemographics and risk behaviours.ResultsOf the 1608 MSM, one-fourth (26%) were mobile. Of these, three-fourths had travelled across districts but within the state (56%), and one-fifth (20%) across states. As compared to non-mobile MSM, a higher proportion of MSM who were mobile across districts (adjusted (OR=1.42, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.95) or states (adjusted OR=3.20, 95% CI 1.65 to 6.17) reported having unprotected sex with any male sexual partner. Further, mobility across districts (adjusted OR=1.43, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.03) or states (adjusted OR=2.45, 95% CI 1.46 to 4.10) was significantly associated with HIV infection.ConclusionsMobile MSM have a higher likelihood of contracting HIV. Interventions extending the ways to reach out to MSM with greater mobility may augment ongoing efforts to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS in India.

Place and practice: Sexual risk behaviour while travelling abroad among Swedish men who have sex with men

“…Altogether, our results confirm the hypothesis and findings of some previous studies of different contexts that overall, risk-takers abroad are the ones who are also risk-takers at home both among MSM [116][117][118] and others 172,173 . The respondents who experienced UAI with casual partner(s) abroad in study III seemed to be social and outgoing regardless of context.…”

The characteristics of internet‐based venue sex‐seeking and mobility among money boys in Tianjin, China

“…The lack of awareness of means of self‐protection demonstrates an urgent need for the implementation of health‐related education and promotion programmes. As observed in prior research with MSM conducted in India, mobile MSM have a higher likelihood of contracting HIV ; mobility may be associated with frequent sexual activities but a weaker sense of self‐protection. Our results indicated that MBs who reported greater mobility were at a high risk of HIV infection, and special attention should be paid to this vulnerable subgroup.…”

“…First, given its universality among study participants, mobility can be viewed as being intimately connected with sex work at the destinations. Secondly, a relationship between mobility and HIV infection has been reported by multiple authors , either because mobile MBs are involved in high‐risk behaviours or because the process of mobility itself may cause the geographical spread of the disease .…”

“…Recently, mobility was identified as one of the key factors involved in transmitting HIV among MSM . A previous study demonstrated that mobile MSM were more likely to have unprotected sex with any male sexual partner while travelling, resulting in a higher likelihood of being infected with HIV . As a consequence of the characteristics of the sex trade, MBs travel frequently for work.…”

Highlights from this issue

“…Other topics include the relationship between mobility and HIV risk,11 seroadaptive behaviours,12 sexual risk typologies in young African Americans13 and HIV couples testing in China 14…”