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Abstract
Violence in MSM couples and risk for HIV/STI in Peru
A.M. Rosasco1, X. Salazar1, S. Kegeles2, A. Maiorana3, C.F. Cáceres1, T. Coates4, Multisite Collaborative HIV/STI Prevention Trial Group
Background: Asymmetric relationships among MSOM (men who only have sex with men) and men self identified as heterosexual who have sex with men, including relationships involving physical and psychological violence, which may increase their risk of STI/HIV, exist in Peru.
Methods: Ethnographic analysis was conducted in 3 coastal cities in Peru. In depth interviews with men self-identified as gay or transvestite and men self-identified as heterosexual who have sex with men, were analysed with regard to relationships, power dynamics, perception of sexual risk, negotiation of safer sex, and access to information and health services.
Results: Diverse types of relationships exist: 1. some where power was more equally shared, in which partners engaged in mutual decision-making; 2. some in which the heterosexually-identified partner, who often also had a female partner, exerted control and used physical and psychological violence against their MSOM partner (despite being economically dependent on him); 3. few in which the power was asymmetric and the MSOM, who financially supported the bisexual male, exerted control over his partner’s conduct. In asymmetric power relationships, the possibility of negotiating safer sex is frequently unavailable to the subordinate partner; condom use for anal intercourse is uncommon; sexual activity is often accompanied by the use of alcohol and drugs. Access to information and health services is limited because of prior experiences of stigma and discrimination from health care professionals.
Conclusions: In low-income populations, the power dynamics within the MSM relationship, including violence, affect decision making capacity with regard to life plan, health care, and safer sex negotiation, as well as sexual risk vulnerability. HIV/STI prevention programs for MSM should take into account the need to focus on self-esteem, acceptance of sexual orientation, and empowerment.
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
CDD0169
Suggested Citation
"A.M.Rosasco, et al.
Violence in MSM couples and risk for HIV/STI in Peru.
:
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
CDD0169"
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