AIDS Care - Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV
Volume 26, Issue 3, 2014, Pages 387-395

Social and structural risks for HIV among migrant and immigrant men who have sex with men in Moscow, Russia: Implications for prevention (Article)

Wirtz A.L.* , Zelaya C.E. , Peryshkina A. , Latkin C. , Mogilnyi V. , Galai N. , Dyakonov K. , Beyrer C.
  • a Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States, Department of Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medical Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
  • b Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
  • c AIDS Infoshare, Moscow, Russian Federation
  • d Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
  • e AIDS Infoshare, Moscow, Russian Federation
  • f Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States, Department of Statistics, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Israel
  • g AIDS Infoshare, Moscow, Russian Federation
  • h Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States

Abstract

Moscow has a large population of immigrants and migrants from across the Former Soviet Union. Little is studied about men who have sex with men (MSM) within these groups. Qualitative research methods were used to explore identities, practices, and factors affecting HIV prevention and risks among immigrant/migrant MSM in Moscow. Nine interviews and three focus group discussions were conducted between April-June 2010 with immigrant/migrant MSM, analyzed as a subset of a larger population of MSM who participated in qualitative research (n=121). Participants were purposively selected men who reported same sex practices (last 12 months). Migrants were men residing in Moscow but from other Russian regions and immigrants from countries outside of Russia. A socioecological framework was used to describe distal to proximal factors that influenced risks for HIV acquisition. MSM ranged from heterosexual to gay-identified. Stigma and violence related to homophobia in homelands and concerns about xenophobia and distrust of migrants in Moscow were emerged as key themes. Participants reported greater sexual freedom in Moscow but feared relatives in homelands would learn of behaviors in Moscow, often avoiding members of their own ethnicity in Moscow. Internalized homophobia was prevalent and linked to traditional sexual views. Sexual risks included sex work, high numbers of partners, and inconsistent condom use. Avoidance of HIV testing or purchasing false results was related to reporting requirements in Russia, which may bar entry or expel those testing positive. HIV prevention for MSM should consider immigrant/migrant populations, the range of sexual identities, and risk factors among these men. The willingness of some men to socialize with immigrants/migrants of other countries may provide opportunities for peer-based prevention approaches. Immigrants/migrants comprised important proportions of the MSM population, yet are rarely acknowledged in research. Understanding their risks and how to reach them may improve the overall impact of prevention for MSM and adults in Russia. © 2013 Taylor & Francis.

Author Keywords

Immigrant HIV risk Stigma migrant Men who have sex with men Russia

Index Keywords

Russia perception homophobia immigrant HIV Infections sexual behavior Human immunodeficiency virus infection mass screening Russian Federation interpersonal communication human wellbeing HIV test risk assessment priority journal policy social support physical violence gender identity qualitative research men who have sex with men Homosexuality, Male heterosexuality sexual practice condom use Freedom Young Adult Humans male Emigrants and Immigrants Risk Factors clinical article Social Stigma prostitution stigma prevalence lubricating agent Article Risk-Taking Directive Counseling Questionnaires transactional sex adult Shame soap Patient Acceptance of Health Care ethnicity clonidine Fear Focus Groups
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84892441794&doi=10.1080%2f09540121.2013.819407&partnerID=40&md5=9f9e2f2319a70dbc5868f0de1ff8c951
DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2013.819407
ISSN: 09540121
Cited by: 22
Original Language: English