Impact of COVID-19 on Sexual and Healthcare Behaviors of MSM in Kenya
Author Information
Author(s): Shaw Souradet Y, Biegun Jeffery C S, Leung Stella, Isac Shajy, Musyoki Helgar K, Mugambi Mary, Kioko Japheth, Musimbi Janet, Olango Kennedy, Kuria Samuel, Ongaro Martin K, Walimbwa Jeffrey, Emmanuel Faran, Blanchard James, Pickles Michael, Mishra Sharmistha, Becker Marissa L, Lazarus Lisa, Lorway Robert, Bhattacharjee Parinita
Primary Institution: University of Manitoba
Hypothesis
What is the effect of COVID-19 on the sexual and healthcare-seeking behaviors of men who have sex with men in Kenya?
Conclusion
The study found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to varied impacts on access to HIV services and risk behaviors among men who have sex with men in Kenya.
Supporting Evidence
- 93.9% of participants reported no change or a decrease in the number of sexual partners.
- 10% reported an increase in alcohol consumption during the pandemic.
- 40% reported a decrease in alcohol consumption.
- 3% reported an increase in violence from intimate partners.
Takeaway
The COVID-19 pandemic changed how men who have sex with men in Kenya accessed healthcare and behaved sexually, with some reporting more difficulties and others showing no change.
Methodology
The study used logistic regression to analyze data from an HIV self-testing intervention in three counties in Kenya, comparing baseline and endline data collected before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias due to the recruitment method and the criminalized status of MSM in Kenya.
Limitations
Data collection was subject to social desirability bias and may not capture long-term impacts of COVID-19.
Participant Demographics
Median age was 24 years, with participants from Kisumu, Mombasa, and Kiambu counties, and approximately 45% had post-secondary education.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.019
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 0.2 to 0.9
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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