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Abstract

Sexual risk behaviours and HIV seroprevalence among male sex workers who have sex with men and non-sex workers in Campinas, Brazil (HTML) 
Tun,Waimar; de Mello,Maeve; Pinho,Adriana A.; Chinaglia,Magda; Diaz,Juan
Sexually Transmitted Infections 84(6): 455-457
Publication date: 2008

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Objectives
To compare population-based prevalence estimates of sexual riskbehaviours and HIV seroprevalence of male sex workers who havesex with men (MSM) and those not engaged in sex work in Campinas,Brazil.

Methods
MSM (n = 658) were recruited for a cross-sectional study throughrespondent-driven sampling. Audio-assisted computer self-interviewwas used to collect information on sexual behaviours and HIVtesting (optional) was performed. Population-based prevalenceestimates with 95% CI of characteristics and behaviours of MSMsex workers and non-sex workers are reported.

Results
One-quarter reported ever receiving payment for sex and 14.8%(95% CI 11.1 to 19.0) had been paid in the previous 2 months;most exclusively with men. MSM sex workers were significantlymore likely than non-sex workers to report being transgendered(40.5% vs 8.1%), to practise unprotected receptive (22.4% vs4.6%) and insertive (20.5% vs 5.0%) anal intercourse with =" src="/math/ges.gif" border=02male partners and to have unprotected vaginal sex with women(22.7% vs 5.6%). MSM sex workers experienced significantly greaterrates of psychological abuse (80.9% vs 58.4%) and physical abuse(48.2% vs 15.2%).

Conclusions
MSM sex workers have higher sexual risk behaviours as well associal vulnerabilities than the general population of MSM. HIV/sexuallytransmitted infection prevention efforts should be targetedto this riskier subgroup. Programmes should be transgender sensitive,should recognise that MSM sex workers have sex with men andwomen and address other factors that influence risk, such ashomophobic abuse.

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