Same-Sex Sexual Behavior and Risks Among Low-Income Urban Males in Peru
Author Information
Author(s): Clark Jesse L., Caceres Carlos F., Lescano Andres G., Konda Kelika A., Leon Segundo R., Jones Franca R., Kegeles Susan M., Klausner Jeffrey D., Coates Thomas J.
Primary Institution: Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles
Hypothesis
What are the lifetime prevalence and associated risk behaviors of same-sex sexual contact among low-income urban males in Peru?
Conclusion
Many low-income Peruvian men have engaged in same-sex sexual contact and maintain greater behavioral and biological risk factors for HIV/STI transmission than non-MESM.
Supporting Evidence
- 15.2% of sexually experienced men reported a history of sex with other men.
- MESM had a lower educational level and greater numbers of sex partners.
- MESM were more likely to engage in unprotected sex and had higher rates of STIs.
Takeaway
Some men in Peru have had sex with other men, and they are more likely to take risks that can lead to diseases like HIV.
Methodology
A probability sample of males from low-income households in three Peruvian cities completed an epidemiologic survey addressing their sexual risk behavior.
Potential Biases
Potential underreporting of same-sex activity due to stigma and the predominance of women in the sample may introduce bias.
Limitations
The study did not specifically assess MSM and relied on self-reported data, which may underestimate same-sex activity.
Participant Demographics
Men aged 18-30 from low-income households in three coastal cities in Peru.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 12.2%–18.2%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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