In order to efficiently direct
efforts and resources required for the prevention of HIV and other sexually
transmitted infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Israel, it is
necessary to define their particular behaviors, estimate their size, and asses
the HIV-burden.
This cross-sectional study included a sub-sample from a random
representative National study performed in Israel, which included Jewish males
aged 18-44 who completed online anonymous questionnaires regarding their sexual
attraction and practices, commercial sex-work, as well as condom and
substances' use.
Additionally, participants were asked to identify themselves
as gay, bisexual, or heterosexual. National estimates regarding prevalence of
risk-behaviors and HIV-infection among MSM were based on the Statistical
Abstract of Israel and the National HIV Registry, respectively. Of the total
sample of 997 men, 11.9% reported lifetime male sex encounters, while 4.5% and
3.7% self-identified as gay or bisexual, respectively.
The estimated population
of self-identified Jewish gays/bisexuals aged 18-44 in Israel was 94,176, and
in Tel-Aviv 33,839. HIV prevalence among MSM was estimated at 0.7% in Israel
and 1.0% in Tel-Aviv. MSM were more likely to live in Tel-Aviv, had higher
levels of education, and were scored higher on several determinants of sexual
risk in comparison to those attracted to women, including early sexual debut,
greater number of sexual partners, ever paid/been paid for sex, sexually
coerced, and substance use.
In conclusion, MSM were involved in greater risk
behaviors than those who only had female sex partners. Most MSM were living in
Tel-Aviv and their estimated HIV prevalence was 1.0%.
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By:
- 1 Ramla Department of Health , Ministry of Health , Ramla , Israel.
- 2 GGD , Amsterdam , The Netherlands.
- AIDS Care. 2016 Feb 17:1-4.
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