The connection between HIV risk and unsafe sex between men

Academic Paper from the year 2017 in the subject Medicine - Public Health, De La Salle University (College of Liberal Arts), language: English, abstract: This report reviews published research-based data on the prevalence of anal intercourse without using condoms (AIWC) among men having sex with men (MSM) samples and the characteristics of MSM having AIWC.

The number of MSM in various parts of the world and who are contracting sexually transmitted infections (STI), including human immunodeficiency virus infection, is increasing. Risk-reduction interventions need more nuanced information to further understand how AIWC, the main driver of the growth in the STI prevalence among MSM populations, can be better addressed.

Overall, the findings indicate that there are large numbers of MSM samples reported to have engaged in AIWC (range: 12%-72%). There are a variety of characteristics found to be statistically significantly related with AIWC, many of which are related with the general life aspects of MSM. Risk-reduction interventions need to do more in reaching out to the MSM populations by broadening the focus, substance and impact of their efforts.