Lived Experiences of Males Having Sex with Males towards Human Immunodeficiency Virus Intervention Program

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

The males having sex with males (MSM) comprised 79% of the 33 million Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV-AIDS) positive people worldwide in 2009. Despite free drugs, care and prevention, most MSM shunned HIV-AIDS testing and continued infecting others with their risky sex acts. Using qualitative descriptive research design with psychological phenomenology as method, this study aimed to understand MSM behavior by purposively choosing nine HIV positive MSM in Davao City. Three sessions or direct face- to- face key informant interviews, which lasted an average of two hours per session, were conducted to answer these questions: “What are the lived experiences of MSM living with HIV-AIDS (MSMLHA)?” and “What are the lived experiences of MSMLHA with the Available HIV Intervention Program?” The data revealed five major themes: sex, stigma, regret, family support and the need for an effective HIV awareness program. Participant and reality check, peer debriefing, use of voice and triangulation were conducted to ensure trustworthiness and validity. It is concluded that the lack of information on the mode of HIV transmission exposed MSM to HIV infection. Thus, it is recommended that an extensive, institutionalized and curriculum- based education program should be implemented to effect behavioral modifications to help curb HIV incidence in Davao City. KEYWORDS - Psychology, males having sex with males, human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, HIV education, phenomenology, descriptive design, Philippines