HIV, STI and Behavioral Risk among Men Who have Sex with Men in a Setting of Elevated HIV Prevalence Along Ecuador's Pacific Coast

We assessed HIV and STI prevalence, risk behaviors and factors associated with HIV infection in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Respondent-driven sampling was used to recruit 400 MSM in 2011-2012. Participants completed a computer-assisted self-interview and provided blood samples. Statistical analysis accounted for differential probability of selection and for recruitment patterns. 

• HIV prevalence was 11.3 %, 
• HSV-2 30.2 %, 
• active syphilis 6.9 % and 
• hepatitis B 1.2 %. 

In the previous 12 months, 

• 84 % of MSM reported casual male sex partners and 
• 25 % sex work. 
• Only 48 % of MSM consistently used condoms with male partners and 
• 54 % had ever been tested for HIV. 
• Of 17 % of MSM reporting a female partner, consistent condom use was 6 %. 
• HIV infection was associated with age 25 or older, active syphilis and homosexual self-identification. 

Findings suggest continuing HIV risk and a need to strengthen prevention and testing among MSM.

Via:  http://goo.gl/68XFz5 Purchase full article at: http://goo.gl/TkFCWF

By: Sánchez-Gómez A1, Jacobson JO, Montoya O, Magallanes D, Bajaña W, Aviles O, Esparza T, Soria E, González MA, Morales-Miranda S, Tobar R, Riera C.

1Pan American Health Organization, Quito, Ecuador,

More at:  https://twitter.com/hiv_insight