Condom use and HIV testing among men who have sex with men in Jordan

Abdulsalam Alkaiyat,Mitchell G Weiss,Christian Schaetti,Mohammad Liswi

doi:10.7448/ias.17.1.18573

Abstract

IntroductionTo identify sociocultural determinants of self-reported condom use and HIV testing and examine variables related to accessibility, motivation and obstacles among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Jordan.DesignCross-sectional study among MSM who were identified through services of a local non-governmental organization (NGO).MethodsRespondents were studied with a semi-structured interview based on the Explanatory Model Interview Catalogue (EMIC) framework. The vignette-based EMIC interview considered locally relevant HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, risk perception and perceived causes, as well as awareness of services and sources of support.ResultsOf the 97 respondents, 27% reported that they used a condom at last intercourse; 38% had been tested at least once for HIV. Positive determinants of condom use were higher education level, acknowledging MSM as a high-risk group, seeking advice from a medical doctor and the perceived causes “sex with prostitutes” and “sex with animals.” Awareness of available treatment was a positive determinant of HIV testing. Blood transfusion as a perceived cause and asking advice from friends were negative determinants.ConclusionsJordanian MSM seem to be aware of the risk of HIV infection and effective prevention methods, and they are willing to be tested for HIV. Our findings addressed the importance of the sexual meaning of HIV/AIDS on the control of HIV/AIDS among MSM. More effective engagement of NGOs and MSM in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS is needed, enlisting the support of medical doctors and community health workers. Peer education should be strategically strengthened. Political commitment is needed to mitigate social stigma.

Highlights

To identify sociocultural determinants of self-reported condom use and HIV testing and examine variables related to accessibility, motivation and obstacles among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Jordan
AIDS was first described as gay-related immune deficiency (GRID) syndrome, as it had initially been identified among men who have sex with men (MSM) in high-income countries
Respondents were recruited from four main cities of Jordan (Amman, Aqaba, Irbid and Zarqa) through a partnership with an non-governmental organization (NGO) called ‘‘Friends of people are living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).’’ this NGO was established in 2009 with a public mandate to work with PLWHA, it provides unpublicized consultations and supports high-risk groups, including MSM and female sex workers

Summary

Introduction

To identify sociocultural determinants of self-reported condom use and HIV testing and examine variables related to accessibility, motivation and obstacles among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Jordan. The vignette-based EMIC interview considered locally relevant HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, risk perception and perceived causes, as well as awareness of services and sources of support. Positive determinants of condom use were higher education level, acknowledging MSM as a high-risk group, seeking advice from a medical doctor and the perceived causes ‘‘sex with prostitutes’’ and ‘‘sex with animals.’’ Awareness of available treatment was a positive determinant of HIV testing. Conclusions: Jordanian MSM seem to be aware of the risk of HIV infection and effective prevention methods, and they are willing to be tested for HIV. Despite huge efforts to control HIV/AIDS, rates among MSM in high-, middle- and low-income countries are increasing [1Á3]. HIV prevalence is increasing among MSM [7], with concentrated epidemics in some countries of the region, namely Iran, Pakistan and Egypt [6,7]

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