Comparing HIV risk-related behaviors between 2 RDS national samples of MSM in Brazil, 2009 and 2016

Abstract

Introduction:Periodic monitoring of sociobehavior characteristics at a national level is an essential component of understanding the dynamics the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic worldwide, including Brazil.Methods:This paper compares descriptive sociobehavior characteristics in 2 national cross-sectional HIV biological behavioral surveillance surveys (BBSS) conducted in 2009 and 2016 among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Brazil. Respondent driven sampling (RDS) was used for recruitment in both years. Overall proportions were weighted according to Gile's estimator using RDS Analyst Software and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for comparisons between the 2 periods. Further comparisons were stratified by age groups (<25 and 25+ years old).Results:Overall, 3749 and 4176 MSM were recruited in 2009 and 2016, respectively. In 2016, participants were younger than 25 years old (58.3%), with 12 or more years of education (70.4%), with higher socioeconomic status (40.7%), and had a higher proportion of whites (31.8%), as compared to 2009. Also, participants in 2016 reported less alcohol use and binge drinking, but used illicit drugs more frequently. There was an increase among MSM who self-reported their HIV risk as low and had low HIV knowledge while the proportion of those who were never tested for HIV dropped from 49.8% in 2009 to 33.8% in 2016. Although more than three-quarters received free condoms in both years, STD counseling remained low (32% and 38% for 2009 and 2016, respectively). Sexual risk behavior remained at high levels, especially unprotected anal receptive sex and sex with multiple partners. Younger MSM (<25 years old) showed riskier sexual practices than those 25+ years old, when comparing 2016 to 2009.Conclusions:Our results indicate a worrisome risk behavior trend among Brazilian MSM, especially among younger ones. These results can contribute for a better understanding of the HIV epidemics in Brazil, with timely shift in strategies so improved effectiveness in public health prevention efforts can be achieved.

A portrait of risk behavior towards HIV infection among Brazilian Army conscripts by geographic regions, 2016

“…In Brazil, data from the latest HIV/AIDS Epidemiological Bulletin 5 indicated that, from 2007 to 2017the AIDS detection rate increased approximately 2.3 times among men aged 15 to 19 (from 3 to 7/100 thousand inhabitants) and 20 to 24 (from 15.6 to 36.2/100 thousand inhabitants). Studies to determine the factors involved in risky sexual behavior among young people have been recognized as key tools to control the spread of HIV [6][7][8][9] . These factors include the sexual practice between male partners, unprotected sex, the great multiplicity of sexual partnerships, and use of alcohol and drugs.…”

“A prevenção não sobe a Augusta”: homossexualidade, HIV, “risco” e produção de fronteiras na região central da cidade de São Paulo

“…Grosso modo, a literatura científica recente sobre a epidemia de HIV destaca o incremento de casos de infecção e suas articulações com raça, idade, gênero, sexualidade e espacialidades (Aguiar et al, 2018), assim como de situações de discriminação e violência em função da orientação sexual (Guimarães et al, 2018). Isso nos parece sugerir a necessidade de investigar com mais cuidado as articulações entre idade/geração, cor/raça, classe e identidade sexual em conexão com os espaços da cidade e com a oferta e o acesso às políticas de prevenção.…”

Acceptability of HIV self-testing is low among MSM who have not tested: a study with respondent-driven sampling in Brazil

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