Constanza Jacques Aviñó1, Patricia García de Olalla2, Elia Díez3, Silvia Martín4, Joan A Caylà2. 1. Servei d'Epidemiologia, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Barcelona, España; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), España. Electronic address: cjacques@aspb.cat. 2. Servei d'Epidemiologia, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Barcelona, España; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), España. 3. CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), España; Servei de Programes i Intervencions Preventives, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Barcelona, España. 4. Servei de Programes i Intervencions Preventives, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Barcelona, España.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To explore views about risky sexual behaviors and perceptions of HIV, and to propose interventions for preventing HIV infections in a group of men who have sex with men. METHODS: We performed a qualitative study in a sample of 13 men who have sex with men, who were participating in an HIV-seronegative cohort, and who we contacted via saunas for the gay community in Barcelona (Spain). We performed in-depth semi-structured interviews, followed by content analysis. RESULTS: Risky sexual behaviors were associated with masculinity related to strong sexual needs, certain sexual exchange venues (such as saunas, private parties and clubs), drug use, and a desire to experiment with risk and one's own sexuality. HIV infection was perceived as a normalized disease, although becoming infected was still associated with shame and guilt. Proposed interventions included raising awareness of what it is like to live with HIV, generating greater social alarm, incorporating new technologies in prevention, and intensifying activity at gay venues. CONCLUSIONS: The concept of masculinity plays a fundamental role in sexual practices among men who have sex with men. We suggest renewed innovation in preventive programs and incorporating the perception of risk and HIV infection from a gender perspective.
OBJECTIVE: To explore views about risky sexual behaviors and perceptions of HIV, and to propose interventions for preventing HIV infections in a group of men who have sex with men. METHODS: We performed a qualitative study in a sample of 13 men who have sex with men, who were participating in an HIV-seronegative cohort, and who we contacted via saunas for the gay community in Barcelona (Spain). We performed in-depth semi-structured interviews, followed by content analysis. RESULTS: Risky sexual behaviors were associated with masculinity related to strong sexual needs, certain sexual exchange venues (such as saunas, private parties and clubs), drug use, and a desire to experiment with risk and one's own sexuality. HIV infection was perceived as a normalized disease, although becoming infected was still associated with shame and guilt. Proposed interventions included raising awareness of what it is like to live with HIV, generating greater social alarm, incorporating new technologies in prevention, and intensifying activity at gay venues. CONCLUSIONS: The concept of masculinity plays a fundamental role in sexual practices among men who have sex with men. We suggest renewed innovation in preventive programs and incorporating the perception of risk and HIV infection from a gender perspective.
Authors: Isabel Llavero-Molino; María Teresa Sánchez-Ocón; María Ángeles Pérez-Morente; Beatriz Espadafor-López; Adelina Martín-Salvador; Encarnación Martínez-García; César Hueso-Montoro Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2019-08-16 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Rosibel Rodríguez-Bolaños; Ricardo Baruch-Dominguez; Edna Arillo-Santillán; Elsa Yunes-Díaz; Leonor Rivera-Rivera; Lizeth Cruz-Jiménez; James F Thrasher; Alan G Nyitray; Eduardo Lazcano-Ponce Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-07-21 Impact factor: 4.614