Exploring Research Trends and Hotspots: A Bibliometric Analysis of Men who Have Sex with Men in Africa (2010–2021)

Abstract

Men who have sex with men (MSM) in Africa are more prone to social stigma and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) than their counterparts in developed nations. The exposure of MSM to STD threatens the ability of Africa to meet the Agenda 2063 goals of ensuring equitable healthcare for all Africans. Therefore, this study focused on examining research trends and hotspots of MSM in Africa. Countries in Africa with the highest interest in MSM, an aspect of MSM that attracts more research funding and practice, were also examined. This study adopted the bibliometric approach, and articles were extracted from the Scopus database. A total of 184 articles were extracted and subjected to a citation, total link strength, and co-occurrence keyword analysis using VOSviewer software. The findings from the study revealed that the research of MSM in Africa had grown steadily. The highest growth was recorded in 2020, with the interest and hotspots centred on healthcare workers’ psychology, drug abuse, sexual abuse, transmitted disease, and risky sexual behaviour. Based on the research trend and the practice, this research into MSM will be focused on the acceptance and legalisation of MSM sexual behaviours in other countries. The study recommends that African countries enable policies supporting same-sex relationships and equal access to healthcare for MSM. Such policies will also ensure that Africa meets the goals of the Agenda 2063 framework.