Socialization Patterns and Their Associations with Unprotected Anal Intercourse, HIV, and Syphilis Among High-Risk Men Who Have Sex with Men and Transgender Women in Peru

• DOI: 10.1007/s10461-014-0787-y
• Publication Date: 2014-04-30T12:55:28Z
• Authors: Michael C. Verre; Jesus Peinado; Eddy R. Segura; Jesse Clark; Pedro Gonzales; Carlos Benites; Robinson Cabello; Jorge Sanchez; Javier R. Lama
• Keywords: Male; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Urban Population; 0302 clinical medicine; 5. Gender equality; HIV Seropositivity; Peru; Prevalence; 360; Practice; Public health; Health Knowledge; Homosexuality; 3. Good health; Health Disparities; Men who have sex with men; Infectious Diseases; Sexual Partners; Public Health and Health Services; HIV/AIDS; Female; Public Health; Infection; Adult; Social Work; Adolescent; Unprotected anal intercourse; Sexual Behavior; Sexual and Gender Minorities (SGM/LGBT*); Transgender Persons; 03 medical and health sciences; Clinical Research; Socialization patterns; Health Sciences; Behavioral and Social Science; Humans; Transgender women; Syphilis; Homosexuality, Male; Unsafe Sex; Prevention; Socialization; HIV; Good Health and Well Being; Cross-Sectional Studies; Attitudes; Sexually Transmitted Infections; 3.1 Primary prevention interventions to modify behaviours or promote wellbeing; Sentinel Surveillance

The association of socialization patterns with unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) and HIV/STI prevalence remains underexplored in men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TW) in developing country settings. We evaluated the correlation of UAI, HIV, and syphilis with MSM/TW venue attendance and social network size among high-risk MSM and TW in Peru according to self-reported sexual identity. Frequency of venue attendance and MSM/TW social network size were lowest among heterosexual MSM and highest among TW respondents. Attendance (frequent or occasional) at MSM/TW venues was associated with increased odds of insertive UAI among heterosexual participants. Frequent venue attendance was associated with increased odds of receptive UAI among gay/homosexual, bisexual, and TW participants. Further investigation of the differing socialization patterns and associations with HIV/STI transmission within subgroups of Peruvian MSM and TW will enable more effective prevention interventions for these populations.