Factors Associated with Sexual Violence against Men Who Have Sex with Men and Transgendered Individuals in Karnataka, India

Abstract

ObjectivesThere is a lack of information on sexual violence (SV) among men who have sex with men and transgendered individuals (MSM-T) in southern India. As SV has been associated with HIV vulnerability, this study examined health related behaviours and practices associated with SV among MSM-T.DesignData were from cross-sectional surveys from four districts in Karnataka, India.MethodsMultivariable logistic regression models were constructed to examine factors related to SV. Multivariable negative binomial regression models examined the association between physician visits and SV.ResultsA total of 543 MSM-T were included in the study. Prevalence of SV was 18% in the past year. HIV prevalence among those reporting SV was 20%, compared to 12% among those not reporting SV (p = .104). In multivariable models, and among sex workers, those reporting SV were more likely to report anal sex with 5+ casual sex partners in the past week (AOR: 4.1; 95%CI: 1.2–14.3, p = .029). Increased physician visits among those reporting SV was reported only for those involved in sex work (ARR: 1.7; 95%CI: 1.1–2.7, p = .012).ConclusionsThese results demonstrate high levels of SV among MSM-T populations, highlighting the importance of integrating interventions to reduce violence as part of HIV prevention programs and health services.

High HIV risk in a cohort of male sex workers from Nairobi, Kenya

“…Consistent with other MSM SW cohorts,12 13 16 prevalent HIV in this cohort was associated with increased age, history of STIs and lower education. The cohort was generally young and highly educated, consistent with data from other regions 23 24. Approximately 80% of MSM SW received education at secondary school or higher compared with 40% of FSW at the same clinic.…”

Is Intimate Partner and Client Violence Associated with Condomless Anal Intercourse and HIV Among Male Sex Workers in Lima, Peru?

“…(9,31,32,49,50) MSWs face many barriers to preventing and addressing violence, making it likely that the high prevalences reported are under-representative of the actual amount of violence MSWs are experiencing. Sex work, and male sex work in particular, has historically been a profession surrounded by stigma and shame, causing hesitancy in coming forward with job-related harms.…”

“…Street-based sex workers are specifically under-represented, an important oversight given their consistently high rates of reported HIV/STIs and violence experience. (32,50,51) The aims of this study, therefore, were to address this gap, by 1) characterizing the IPV and client violence experienced by a cohort of street-based MSWs in Lima, Peru, including being a victim and being a perpetrator of such violence and 2) examining whether an association exists between this violence experience and inconsistent condom use and HIV prevalence. The hypotheses were 1) MSWs experience a significant amount of IPV and client violence and 2) violence experience is associated with sexual risk behaviors and therefore potential HIV transmission.…”

Transgender women, hormonal therapy and HIV treatment: a comprehensive review of the literature and recommendations for best practices

“…Many cultures around the world recognize transgender people using varied terms such as “Kathoeys” in Thailand [1]; “Hijras” in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan [2–4]; “Warias” in Indonesia [5]; the “Rae Rae's” and “Mahu's” in French Polynesia [6]; and “Travestis” of Latin America [7]. Currently, there are no national-level estimates of the prevalence of transgender identity for any country, although India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan have recently added a third gender option to the census.…”