Knowledge, attitudes and practices related to STD and HIV/AIDS: men having sex with men in Senegal

• Published in: Revue d'épidémiologie et de santé publique Vol. 59; no. 5; pp. 305 - 311
• Main Authors: Ndiaye, P, Fall, A, Tal-Dia, A, Faye, A, Diongue, M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: French
• Published: France 01.10.2011
• Subjects: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome - epidemiology; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome - prevention & control; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome - transmission; Adolescent; Adult; Female; Gender Identity; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; HIV Infections - epidemiology; HIV Infections - prevention & control; HIV Infections - transmission; Homosexuality, Male - psychology; Homosexuality, Male - statistics & numerical data; Humans; Male; Senegal - epidemiology; Sex Characteristics; Sexual Behavior - physiology; Sexual Behavior - psychology; Sexual Behavior - statistics & numerical data; Sexually Transmitted Diseases - epidemiology; Sexually Transmitted Diseases - prevention & control; Sexually Transmitted Diseases - transmission; Young Adult; Senegal
• ISSN: 0398-7620
• DOI: 10.1016/j.respe.2011.03.060

This study aimed to review knowledge, attitudes and practices related to sexual transmitted diseases (STD) and HIV/AIDS among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Senegal. The study was undertaken from February 1st to June 30th 2007, in three capitals cities in Senegal (one national, and two regional). It concerned the MSM that benefited from at least one of services of an MSM association. Studied variables included socio demographic characteristics, sexual practices, as well as knowledge and attitudes related to STDs and VIH/AIDS. Interviews took place during appointments obtained by direct phone call or by two MSM leaders intermediary. Data were seized and analyzed with Epi2000 Software. Among 245 registered MSM, 63 had a precise contact (address and/or phone number), and 49 aged in average of 25 years were investigated. Among them, one was illiterate, five studied Koran, seven Arab and 36 French. The socio-professional categories differentiated two officials, two merchants, one mechanic, one fighter, five artists, five restorers, seven tailors, 11 students, and 15 unemployed. The associations, to which 35 HSH belonged, were related to sexuality (66%), religion (20%), social matters (8%) and economy (6%). Sexual habits, according to anal intercourse, differentiated the "Ubbi" or receptive/passive (57%), the "Yoos" or incertif/active (25%), the "Ubbi/Yoos" who play the two roles (14%) and the "neitherUbbi/norYoos" who had other practices than anal (4%). Practices between men, concerned mutual strokes (100%), fellatio (61%) and anal intercourse (49%), counted 45% for remuneration, 35% of multi-unprotected partnership, and 12% of breaking condom. Practices with women were reported by 15 MSM (31%). Concerning STDs, at least one sign was reported by 43 MSM, one transmission way by 42, one mean of protection by 47; and the first recourse was a health system for 36 MSM. The test of HIV/AIDS screening was done by 38 HSH among which 30 withdrew the results. The "Ubby" adhered much more to associations, and practiced less unprotected vaginal intercourses and multi partnerships. Sexual relations between men, in Senegal, constitute a factor of propagation for STDs and HIV/AIDS. Beliefs, values, and popular reactions still limit the big principles (liberty, equality, solidarity, and participation) of preventive and curative care. Therefore, ethics and effectiveness must be conciliated to face more MSM needs, for a better health of the populations.