While anyone who has sex can have a risk of developing sexually transmitted infections and men having sex with men (MSM) are even at greater risk

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Meron Fekade

Forestry Research Center, Ethiopia

: J Virol Antivir Res

Abstract

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Introduction: While anyone who has sex can have a risk of developing sexually transmitted infections and men having sex with men (MSM) are even at greater risk. Objective: To assess sexual transmitted infection (STI) risk and health service access among men sex with men in Addis Ababa. Methods: Qualitative study with phenomenological method was used to assess sexual transmitted infection risk among men having sex with men in Addis Ababa from June 16, 2017- August 10, 2017. Snowball sampling method was used to recruit the study participants. Data were analysed using Narrative Analysis method. Results: A total of 22 study participants were involved in the study. The main reasons cited to engage in to this life were the way they were raised, being a rape victim and believing that it is their nature. They were at high risk of STI due to having multiple sexual partners, not using condom, absence of anal condom, swapping of sexual partner and using substances. Majority of the study participants visited health facilities while they fall sick. However, some of the study participants prefer to treat themselves for fear of rejection by health professionals. There are reproductive health policies, strategies and programs on family planning, sexual behavior education and others but there is none that to address STI risk among MSM. Conclusion: Though MSM are at higher risk of contracting STIs including HIV, prevention packages are not available. This poses risk to the general heterosexual public. Due to fear of the stigma, MSMs didn’t access other health services as well. Recommendations: There should be policy and guideline that protects the health of this population and promotes safe sexual practice among these most at risk population and create a favorable and receptive health service environment. STI risk reduction programs should also target this particular population

Biography

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She is working as a Researcher at the Forestry Research Center, Ethiopia. Her experience includes various programs, contributions and participation in different countries for diverse fields of study. Her research interests reflect in her wide range of publications in various national and international journals.