What factors contribute to behaviour-related stigma among men who have sex with men in Western Province - Sri Lanka

Abstract

Introduction: Men who have sex with men (MSM) are one of the key population groups who have a high risk of transmitting and acquiring HIV. They are being stigmatized due to their behavior. Therefore, it is of prime importance to identify those correlates of stigma among MSM to take measures to minimize them. Objective: To determine the correlates of behavior-related stigma among MSM in Western Province, Sri Lanka. Methods: A cross-sectional study with an analytical component was conducted among MSM in the Western province, of Sri Lanka. The sample size was 564. Participants were recruited using respondent-driven sampling. Data collection was done using two interviewer-administered questionnaires, the “Behavior related stigma Scale”, a tool developed and validated by the investigators was used to assess the level of stigma, and a separate questionnaire to assess the correlates of stigma which was also developed by the investigators. Correlates of behavior-related stigma among MSM were determined by multivariate analysis using an adjusted Odd’s ratio. Results: Advancing age (>29 years) (p= 0.01), being educated up to grade 10 (p = 0.039), family and friends considering homosexuality as a psychiatric disease (p – 0.018), the experience of sexual abuse in childhood (p <0.001), the experience of nonverbal harassment from relatives (p <0.001), being arrested by police during lifetime (p<0.001), not carrying condoms as they were not supplied (p=0.007) were positively associated statistical significance with a high level of behavior related stigma among MSM. Being educated regarding HIV/AIDS from the health sector and media were negatively associated. Conclusions: There are modifiable factors associated with behavior-related stigma among MSM. Awareness programs should be conducted for the public to sensitize them regarding same-sex behavior, thus minimizing harassment from society.