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HIV risk behaviors of men who have sex with men (MSM) in post-conflict Liberia
R. Martin1, C. Taylor1, W. Nagbe1, B. Dennis1, M. Massaquoi1, S. Garber1, M. Kolubah1, F. Sosu1, P. Sirleaf1, S. Kennedy1,2, J. Tegli1
1UL-PIRE Africa Center, University of Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia, 2Pacific Institute for Research & Evaluation (PIRE), Louisville Center, Louisville, KY, United States
Background: Widespread social ostracism, threat of violence, stigmatization, and structural factors accounts for the increasing prevalence of HIV risks among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Liberia. Despite being a marginalized population, MSM as a major community-based stakeholder, can play a significant role in the mitigation of HIV/AIDS in post-conflict Liberia.
Methods: Twenty-five (25) males aged 18-40 years, who self-identified as MSM, were interviewed by qualitative methods to ascertain their HIV risk behaviors and perceptions regarding the development and implementation of HIV prevention programs for MSM in Liberia. Each in-depth interview was audiotaped, transcribed and analyzed for common themes.
Results: First, MSMs in post-conflict Liberia were identified to be at high risk for HIV/AIDS because of the prevalence of unprotected sex, history of STIs, and limited knowledge of HIV/STIs. Second, the lives of MSMs are characterized by cultural marginalization, widespread discrimination and social rejection. Third, MSMs are concerned about the lack of legislations to recognize, respect and protect their fundamental rights.
Conclusions: MSMs in post-conflict Liberia are willing to 'come out of the closet' and actively participate in HIV prevention programming if relevant legislations are enacted to protect their basic human rights.
Acknowledgment. Support for this project was provided by the Corporate Development Fund (CDF) of the Pacific Institute for Research & Evaluation (PIRE). Additional contributions were provided by grants [R01 HD 045133 and R21 MH 082666] from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
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