Horizons Projects | Understanding the HIV Prevention Needs of Men Who Have Sex with Men in Nairobi

HORIZONS PROJECT
Understanding the HIV Prevention Needs of Men Who Have Sex with Men in Nairobi

Despite increasing awareness of the role men who have sex with men (MSM) can play in the dynamics of HIV transmission in Africa, research on MSM in Kenya has been limited. Researchers from the Institute of African Studies (IAS) at the University of Nairobi and the Horizons and FRONTIERS programs of the Population Council undertook a study of MSM in Nairobi from 2003 to 2004 to understand the extent to which MSM are at risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, identify the factors associated with risk behaviors, and identify MSM health needs in order to develop appropriate interventions.

Systematic data collection methods included a quantitative survey of 500 MSM in early 2004, followed by in-depth interviews with MSM, gatekeepers, and service providers, and ethnographic observations in social settings of MSM.

Key findings include:

MSM are not a negligible population in Nairobi.
MSM are vulnerable to stigma, discrimination, and violence.
Sex with multiple partners is high.
Reported condom use is high, but so is use of oil-based lubricants, which can make condoms vulnerable to breakage.
Key factors associated with unprotected sex with men were having only one partner within the past 12 months, and having been the victim of violence within the past 12 months.
A majority of MSM in the study have had an HIV test.
Confidentiality is the most important factor for MSM when choosing a treatment facility.
Many health providers are largely aware that MSM exist and are seeking treatment at their facilities, but providers prefer not to discuss treatment and counseling issues with MSM.

Location

Nairobi, Kenya

Duration

April 2003–December 2005

Horizons and Population Council researchers

Scott Geibel, Susan Kaai, Harriet Birungi

Non-Council collaborators

Fiona Samuels (International HIV/AIDS Alliance)

W. Onyango Ouma (Institute of African Studies, University of Nairobi)

Donor

US Agency for International Development

Publications/Resources
Horizons and Population Council researchers' names appear in boldface type.

2006
Onyango-Ouma, W., Harriet Birungi, and Scott Geibel. “Understanding the HIV/STI prevention needs of men who have sex with men in Kenya,” Horizons Research Summary. Washington, DC: Population Council. (PDF)

2005
Khan, Hena. "Reaching out to the vulnerable: Kenya study focuses on HIV prevention needs of men who have sex with men," The Horizons Report, December. Washington, DC: Population Council. (full text)

Onyango-Ouma, W., Harriet Birungi, and Scott Geibel. "Understanding the HIV/STI risks and prevention needs of men who have sex with men in Nairobi, Kenya," Horizons Final Report. Washington, DC: Population Council. (PDF)

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