Impact of Sexual Partners and Practices in HIV/STD Risk Reduction Strategies of MSM Living with HIV

Abstract

Background: Despite the knowledge that MSM are a key group for the HIV epidemic, often the topic of sexual practices of MSM is not free from discrimination, and it is worsen in people living with HIV as a result there is a notable lack of strategies reducing the risk for re-infection of HIV and other STD applicable to MSM specific needs as described by MSM themselves.

Objective: To describe the risk reduction strategies of MSM living with HIV in Mexico City

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were realized to a group of MSM living with HIV focusing on socio-demographic characteristics, sexual practices, history of HIV and STD diagnosis, prevention strategies and risk reduction strategies.

Results: The MSM group classified its sexual partners as: “Affective”, “Regular” and “Casual”. The MSM group had on average 40.73 years old and received their HIV diagnosis 10.52 years ago on average. Before being diagnosed to be living with HIV, the MSM group held an average of 403 sex intercourses per year having started its sexual life between 15 and 16 years old. After diagnosis the MSM group maintained 100.66 sex intercourses on average per year, which indicates a decrease in sexual activity.

Conclusion: The challenge of interventions with MSM living with HIV is to combine individual attention that enables them to feel accompanied and understood their emotional and personal status when doing risky practices. Combining personal reflection to identify what works best individually in a situation of risk, knowing different alternatives to maintain safe sex and meeting in greater depth what peers have done to avoid falling into risky sex practices.