AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses
Volume 33, Issue 11, 2017, Pages 1149-1154

HIV Risk, Prevalence, and Access to Care among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Lebanon (Article)

Heimer R.* , Barbour R. , Khouri D. , Crawford F.W. , Shebl F. , Aaraj E. , Khoshnood K.
  • a Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale University School of Public Health, PO Box 208034, New Haven, CT 08620-8034, United States
  • b Department of Biostatistics, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
  • c Independent Contractor, Beirut, Lebanon
  • d Department of Biostatistics, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
  • e Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
  • f Middle East and North Africa Harm Reduction Association, Sin-el-Fil, Lebanon
  • g Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale University School of Public Health, PO Box 208034, New Haven, CT 08620-8034, United States

Abstract

Little is known about HIV prevalence and risk among men who have sex with men (MSM) in much of the Middle East, including Lebanon. Recent national-level surveillance has suggested an increase in HIV prevalence concentrated among men in Lebanon. We undertook a biobehavioral study to provide direct evidence for the spread of HIV. MSM were recruited by respondent-driven sampling, interviewed, and offered HIV testing anonymously at sites located in Beirut, Lebanon, from October 2014 through February 2015. The interview questionnaire was designed to obtain information on participants' sociodemographic situation, sexual behaviors, alcohol and drug use, health, HIV testing and care, and experiences of stigma and discrimination. Individuals not reporting an HIV diagnosis were offered optional, anonymous HIV testing. Among the 292 MSM recruited, we identified 36 cases of HIV (12.3%). A quarter of the MSM were born in Syria and recently arrived in Lebanon. Condom use was uncommon; 65% reported condomless sex with other men. Group sex encounters were reported by 22% of participants. Among the 32 individuals already aware of their infection, 30 were in treatment and receiving antiretroviral therapy. HIV prevalence was substantially increased over past estimates. Efforts to control future increases will have to focus on reducing specific risk behaviors and experience of stigma and abuse, especially among Syrian refugees. © Copyright 2017, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. 2017.

Author Keywords

HIV behavioral risk, Middle East, MSM, displaced people, stigma

Index Keywords

group sex HIV Infections refugee sexual behavior Human immunodeficiency virus infection alcohol consumption demography Syrian Arab Republic human risk assessment priority journal Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence men who have sex with men Unsafe Sex Homosexuality, Male male homosexuality condom use Surveys and Questionnaires Young Adult Lebanon social status Humans male questionnaire Social Stigma prevalence Article major clinical study adult infection risk health care access antiretroviral therapy drug use social discrimination anti human immunodeficiency virus agent Health Services Accessibility health care delivery
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85032637886&doi=10.1089%2faid.2016.0326&partnerID=40&md5=6cd24781bf3558c5d6e5e22839997713
DOI: 10.1089/aid.2016.0326
ISSN: 08892229
Cited by: 5
Original Language: English