P1-S2.38 A situational analysis of MSM and HIV at AAS's Centre Oasis in Burkina Faso

Abstract

Introduction: In Burkina Faso at the end of 2008, the AIDS pandemic was characterised by a drop in HIV prevalence rates during the preceding years. In contexts in which a reduction in HIV prevalence is observed, the epidemic tends to be concentrated among certain groups considered to be highly vulnerable to infection, including MSM. This present study was conducted to answer key questions with a view to gaining a better understanding of the reality of MSM with regard to HIV/AIDS at AAS. The results are to contribute to the development of an appropriate response strategy., Methodology: The study's aim was to identify possible paths of action and strategies pertaining to MSMs' access to STI/AIDS care, treatment and prevention services at AAS. The study was based on a questionnaire focusing on MSMs' contextual environment and the socio-behavioural factors that determine their vulnerability to STIs and HIV., Principle Results: The questionnaire was administered among 84 MSM at the Centre Oasis, at places where they gather or at their homes. Of those men, 13% are between 17 and 19 years old; 33% between 20 and 24; 25% between 25 and 29; and 29% age 30 and over. 78% are single; 5.2% have a girlfriend; and 16.8% are married to a woman. Survey participants' first sexual experience was with an MSM friend in 70.5% of cases; with an unknown partner in 18.3% of cases; and with classmates in 11.2% of cases. 89.4% of the MSM surveyed consented to their first sexual encounter with another man; their motivation was-sexual desire (68%); curiosity (12%); need of money (11%); need of a service (9%). 47% used a condom during that first sexual encounter, from which 13% emerged with injuries and bleeding. 81% of those surveyed maintain parallel sexual relationships with women. 83% are aware of HIV; 69% gonorrhoea; 61% syphilis; and they do not master the other STIs. 97% know that unprotected sex is high-risk; 83.4% know about relevant risks from contaminated objects, and 58.1% are familiar with relevant risks from blood transfusions. 61.1% systematically use condoms during sex with other men., Conclusion: This exploratory study has allowed us to gain a number of insights. We will now use this data as a basis for improving the services we offer to MSM., (C) 2011 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd