An analysis of socio-demographic and behavioural factors among immigrant MSM in Montreal from an HIV-testing site sample

Abstract

Little Canadian research exists on immigrant men who have sex with men (MSM), who are internationally reported to use rapid HIV-testing sites. Our objective was to describe immigrant MSM in a sample of clients at an HIV testing site. From July 2012 to November 2013, clients at Actuel sur Rue (AsR), a Montreal-based HIV rapid-testing site, provided data for a staff- and a self-administered questionnaire. We compared immigrant and non-immigrant MSM's socio-demographics and risk practices. Among immigrants, we analyzed these variables by country of origin. We conducted regression analyses examining how immigrant status and socio-demographics were associated with risk practices. During the study, 1353 MSM visited AsR and 407 (30%) were immigrants, mostly from Europe, Latin America/Caribbean, and Africa/Middle-East. The same proportion (2%) of immigrant and non-immigrant MSM received a positive rapid HIV test result. Relative to non-immigrant MSM, significantly more immigrant MSM reported a post-secondary degree, a lower income, and being unemployed. Fewer reported receiving an HIV-positive/unknown-status partner's sperm/blood in their mouth, ever having unprotected sex with an HIV-positive partner, and ever selling sex. In comparisons between MSM immigrants by origin, fewer Asian and African/Middle-Eastern MSM reported ever testing for HIV. In the regression analyses, immigrant status was not independently associated with sexual risk. MSM who earned less, were unemployed, or had a high school degree or less were more likely to have sold sex. Socio-demographics like employment, education and income were associated with reported sexual risk in MSM clients, but not immigrant status alone.

Poverty in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Two-Spirit, and Other Sexual and Gender Minority (LGBTQ2S+) Communities in Canada: Implications for Social Work Practice

“…LGBTQþ communities in Canada experience income and other socioeconomic disparities relative to their white counterparts (George et al, 2007;Lachowsky et al, 2017;Lessard et al, 2016;Millett et al, 2012;Nakhaie & Wijesingha, 2015).…”

“…In our review of the literature reporting socioeconomic data on LGBTQ+ newcomers and racialized communities, we found a number of unique manifestations of poverty reflected in the social conditions and experiences of those in these groups. First, particularly in studies of sexual health among men who have sex with men (MSM), we found that racialized MSM frequently report disparities in income and employment relative to their white counterparts ( George et al, 2007 ; Lessard et al, 2016 ; Millett et al, 2012 ). For example, in one meta-analysis of the health behaviors and health outcomes of MSM across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, Canadian Black MSM appeared to be approximately 1.56 times more likely than their non-Black counterparts to report incomes under US$20,000 ( Millett et al, 2012 ).…”

LGBTQ+ Aging Research in Canada: A 30-Year Scoping Review of the Literature

“…They found that age (younger), education (less educated), income (low income), heavy drinking, smoking, and use of nitrite inhalants (i.e., poppers) increased risky behaviour in HIV seronegative gay men [ 35 ]. Adding to the sociodemographic profile of risk, Lessard, Lebouché, Engler, and Thomas [ 36 ] compared immigrant and non-immigrant men visiting an HIV testing site. They found that immigrant clients had a lower income and more education and were younger and more often unemployed.…”

“…They found that immigrant clients had a lower income and more education and were younger and more often unemployed. Fewer immigrant men reported ‘risky’ sexual behaviours such as unprotected sex with a HIV-positive partner or receiving goods or services in exchange for sex [ 36 ]. Ross and colleagues [ 37 ] have contributed to the literature on bisexuality with a specific focus on mental health and substance use and the relationship between bisexuality, low socio-economic status, and mental health [ 38 ].…”

Acculturation to Both American and Chinese Cultures Predicts Condom Use Intent Among U.S.-Dwelling Chinese/Taiwanese Men Who Have Sex With Men

“…The MSM community accounts for the largest proportion among the newly infected HIV population in the United States (Wray, Kahler, & Monti, 2016). It has been reported that the high rate of HIV infection is associated with high rates of unprotected sexual behaviors such as unprotected anal intercourse within MSM population in other countries (Do Amaral, Abdo, Tavares, & Scanavino, 2015; Lessard, Lebouché, Engler, & Thomas, 2016).…”