Horizons Projects | Reducing HIV/STI Risk and Improving Treatment for Male Sex Workers in Mombasa, Kenya

HORIZONS PROJECT
Reducing HIV/STI Risk and Improving Treatment for Male Sex Workers in Mombasa, Kenya

Male sex workers (MSWs) who have sex with men can be at high risk for transmitting or becoming infected with HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Researchers from the International Centre for Reproductive Health and Horizons are conducting an intervention study in Mombasa, Kenya, to address the health needs of MSWs and promote behavior change among this population.

Proposed interventions include the training of MSW peer educators, regular condom distribution to MSWs in Mombasa, and the training and sensitization of local health care providers with regard to specific STI health issues of MSWs. A drop-in center also will be established in Mombasa to meet the STI/HIV information and counseling needs of MSWs.

Horizons is evaluating the effectiveness of the interventions through pre- and post-intervention surveys. A cross-sectional baseline survey of MSWs, as well as focus groups and in-depth interviews with MSWs and health care workers was conducted in October–December 2006. Intervention activities—informed by the baseline results—will follow immediately thereafter. An endline survey will be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions.

Location

Mombasa, Kenya

Duration

January 2006–July 2007

Horizons and Population Council researchers

Scott Geibel, Eka Esu-Williams, Waimar Tun, Caroline Mackenzie

Non-Council collaborators

Stanley Luchters (International Centre for Reproductive Health)

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.

2007
Geibel, Scott, Elisabeth M. van der Elst, Nzioki King'ola, Stanley Luchters, Alun Davies, Esther M. Getambu, Norbert Peshu, Susan M. Graham, R. Scott McClelland, and Eduard J. Sanders. "'Are you on the market?': A capture-recapture enumeration of men who sell sex to men in and around Mombasa, Kenya," AIDS 21(10): 1349–1354. (abstract)

Related Projects