No Brasil, o s casos de AIDS entre homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH) predominaram durante um longo período. A partir da década de 90, observa-se um declínio nesta categoria com o aumento de casos entre heterossexuais. Na região Nordeste, entretanto, os casos de AIDS entre HSH representam, ainda, cerca de 50% do total dos casos registrados em anos recentes. Nosso objetivo foi estudar o comportamento sexual e o padrão de consumo de drogas e álcool entre HSH no Ceará, enfatizando as tendências recentes e suas relações com práticas sexuais de risco para DTS/AIDS. Foram realizados quatro estudos seccionais em 1995, 1998, 2002 e 2005 no Ceará, nordeste do Brasil. A população do estudo foi composta por homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH), com 14 anos ou mais , que referiram prática sexual anal ou oral com homens nos últimos 12 meses. A seleção dos participantes utilizou técnicas do tipo Snow Ball (1995, 1998, 2002); Time Space Sampling (2002) e Respondent Driven Sampling (2005). O primeiro artigo enfoca as tendências do comportamento sexual em Fortaleza ao longo destes quatro períodos e o segundo os preditores do consumo de álcool e drogas nos municípios de Fortaleza (n=401), Sobral (n=100) e a região do Cariri (n=100) em 2002. Análise se basearam nas comparações entre proporções, utilizando o teste do de Pearson e intervalos de 95% de confiança (IC95%) e análise de regressão logística multivariada para avaliação dos fatores associados ao consumo de álcool e drogas, utilizando-se como medida de associação a razão de chances (odds ratio OR) e seus respectivos intervalos de 95% de confiança. Resultados Práticas sexuais: Elevado percentual da população estudada referiu práticas sexuais de risco em 1995 (49,9%), decrescendo significativamente em 1998 (32,6%), tornando a crescer em 2002 (54,6%) e apresentando os menores percentuais em 2005 (31,4%). Este padrão não apresentou grandes variações por idade, mas em relação à escolaridade observou-se que os indivíduos com escolaridade mais elevada aumentaram as práticas de risco entre 1998 (28,6%) e 2002 (46,5%) decrescendo no último período (21,0%) enquanto aqueles com baixa ou média escolaridade só mostraram uma queda significativa no comportamento de risco entre 2002 (82,1% - baixa; 67,7% - média) e 2005 (29,1% - baixa; 34,3 média). A prática sexual anal com preservativo cresceu no decorrer dos anos variando de 43,3% a 53,7% entre a primeira e a última onda ( de tendência p<0.001). A relação anal sem preservativo foi uma prática com alto percentual na maioria dos anos. De 2002 a 2005, houve uma diminuição significativa (de alto percentual na maioria dos anos. De 2002 a 2005, houve uma diminuição significativa (de 57,7% para 26,3%) das relações fixas monogâmicas. Consumo de álcool e drogas: No estudo, 63% dos HSH participantes foram classificados como bebedores que se embriagam. Observou-se que o consumo crescente de álcool leva a um aumento do uso concomitante de outras drogas, sejam lícitas ou ilícitas. Foram variáveis preditoras de beber se embriagando: ter de 21 a 30 anos (OR: 1,5; IC 95%: 1,1-2,9); ter mais que 30 anos (OR: 1,6: IC95%: 1,2-2,3); ser solteiro/separado/divorciado (OR:3,0%; IC95%: 1,7-5,3); ser da raça negra (OR: 2,0 IC95%: 1,7-2,01); ser da raça parda (OR: 1,8 IC95%: 1,3-2,6); receber dinheiro por sexo (OR:2,0 IC95%: 1,8-2,9). As práticas sexuais dos SHS em Fortaleza apresentaram variações significativas ao longo doa anos estudados, semelhantemente a outros estudos internacionais. Vários fatores poderiam ser responsáveis por explicar o comportamento da curva observada em Fortaleza, seja no âmbito local, nacional ou internacional. Entre os fatores que podem explicar alterações observadas estariam: 1) redução nos recursos destinados à prevenção da AIDS no país devido a retirada de alguns organismos de cooperação internacional que se voltaram para outros países, como na África Leste Europeu, levando o Brasil a priorizar segmentos populacionais com maior vulnerabilidade; 2) grande impacto na prevenção das DST /AIDS na comunidade de homo/bissexuais masculinos, especialmente nos anos de 1998 a 2002; 3) o avanço no tratamento, surgimento de novas drogas, melhora da qualidade de vida e aumento da sobrevida, contribuindo para a construção da falsa ideia de segurança na população. Neste estudo a escolaridade mostrou-se um fator importante associado ao envolvimento em práticas sexuais não seguras. Os indivíduos com mais baixa escolaridade, no período de 1995 a 2002, se envolveram em maior risco, aparentando não terem sido atingidos pelas campanhas que possam ter ocorrido, principalmente no período de 1995 a 1998. A maior escolaridade apresenta-se como fator de proteção em todo o período estudado, provavelmente pelo maior acesso à informação. Finalmente, pode-se observar no ano de 2002 um elevado percentual de homens que consomem cinco ou mais doses em um dia típico e associam outras drogas ao consumo do álcool. Tal comportamento, dentro da população HSH, embora não seja caracterizado como dependência química, é alterado de maneira significativa pelo efeito etílico, levando à outras práticas de risco. Também se observou em nosso estudo que o consumo crescente de álcool leva a um aumento do uso de outras drogas, atuando para a adoção de comportamentos de risco. Existem evidências que suportam relação entre uso de outras drogas e a prática sexual de risco. Os indivíduos que referiram receber dinheiro em troca de sexo foram mais frequentemente classificados como bebedores que se embriagam. Os achados deste estudo mostram a importância da realização de uma vigilância comportamental contínua em relação ao HIV favorecendo o entendimento da dinâmica da epidemia junto das DST/AIDS nesta população vulnerável, assim como a importância que o álcool assume como problema de saúde pública neta população específica e a necessidade de se direcionar medidas voltadas para a sua prevenção. / In Brazil, cases of AIDS amonf men who make sex with men (MSM) predominated durinf a long period, but declined in the 90s as an increase was observed among heterosexual persons. In the Northeast Brazil, however, AIDS casis among MSM still account for 50% of all casis reportedrecently. To study the sexual behavior and patterns of alcohol and ilicit drugs consumption in Ceará, Brazil, emphasizing recent trends and their relation with risky sexual practices to STD/AIDS. Four surveys were carried out in the years of 1995, 1998, 2002 and 2005 in Ceará, Northeast Brazil. Study population included MSM of 14 years old or above reporting anal sex in the last 12 months. Different selection techniques were employed: Snow Ball (1995, 1998, 2002); Time Spaces Sampling (2002) and Respondent Driven Sampling (2005). The first manuscript focuses on the recent trends of sexul behvior of MSM in Fortaleza, and the scond evaluates the predictors of alcohol and drug sonsumtion in the cities of Fortaleza (n=401), Sobral (n= 100) and the region of Cariri (n=100) in the year of 2002. Analyses were based on th comparison between proportions (Pearson test and 95 % confidence intervals CI95%, as the measure of association between putative risk factors and alcohol and drug use. Sexual practices: high percentual percentage or risky sexual practices was reported in 1995 (49.9%), decreasing in 1998 (32.6%), increasing again in 2002 (54.6%) and presenting the lowest percentages in 2005 (31.4%). This pattern did not vary with age. Those participants with higher literacy increased their risky practices from 1998 (28.6%) to 2002 (46.5%), decreasing in the lastperiod (21.0%). Among those with middle or low levels risky behavior declined from 2002 (82.1% - low; 67.7% - middle) to 2005 (29.1% - low; 34.3% - middle). We observed an increase of anal sex with condom between the first and the last wave (43.3% to 53.7% for trens p< 0.001). Anal sex without condom was very commom inmost of the years. Between 2002 and 2005 there was a decrease in monogamous stable relationship (from 57.7% to 26, and 3%). Alcohol and drug consumption: 63% of the MSM participants were classified as (binge drinking) drinkers.Increased consumption of alcohol was associated with an increase in the simultaneous use of other licit and illicit drugs. The predict onnected with (binge dronking) drinking were: age, 21-30 vs. <21 years old (OR: 1.5; CI95%: 1,1-2.9); >30 vs. <21 years old (OR: 1.6; CI95%: 1.2-2.3); civil status, being single/ separated/divorced vs. married/together (OR: 3.9; CI95%: 1.7-5.3); race, being clack vs. white (OR: 5.9; CI95%: 1.7-20.1); being mixed vs. white (OR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.3-2.6); getting paid for sex (OR: 2.0; CI 95%: 1.4-3.0); having had an HIV test (OR: 1.7; CI95%: 1.3-2.2); family disapproval of MSM (OR: 1.4; CI95%: 1.1-1.9); using vs. not using any drug (OR: 2.3; CI95%: 1.8-29). The sexuak practices of MSM in Fortaleza varied significantly over the studied years, something also observed in other international studies. Many local, national and international contextual factors might be responsible for this trend: 1) reduction in financial resources for AIDS prevention in Brazil due to new priorities of internationak organizations, now focusing African and East European countries. This have led Brazil to give priority to more vulnerable segments of the population than MSM; 2) high impact of STD/AIDS prevention initiatives among homo / bisexual males, particularly in the years of 1998 and 2002; 3) the advances in treatment, leading to better quality of life and survival prespective, wich may have contributed to a false idea of security in this population. In our study, literacy was an important factor assicated to risky sexual behavior. Participants with low levels of education, during 1995 to 2002, were engaged in more risky practices, apparently not taking benefit of public health campaigns occurring mainly during 11995 and 1998. Higher literacy was a protective factor during all studied period and might be, in this setting, a proxy for access to information. Finally, we could observe in the year of 2002 an elevated percentage of MSM that use five or more alcohol doses in a typical working day and that associate the use of other drugs with alcohol consumption. This behavior among MSM, although not characterized as dependence, might favor sexual risky practices. We also observed that increasing alcohol consumption was associated with the use of other drugs, contributing to the adoption of other risky behavior. Participants that report taking money for sex were more frequently classified as (binge drinking) drinkers. The results of this study highlight the need of a continuous behavioral surveillance for HIV to better understand the dynamics of the epidemic among MSM and to inform STD and HIV prevention programs. The findings of this study show also the importance of alcohol abuse as a public health problem in this specific population and the need for specific prevention measures.

FundaÃÃo de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Cearà / O presente estudo tem como objetivo analisar a construÃÃo social da vulnerabilidade para o HIV/Aids dos Homens que fazem Sexo com Homens (HSH) na cidade de Fortaleza, abordando a polÃtica brasileira de prevenÃÃo ao HIV/Aids. Foram examinados os discursos de trÃs atores sociais: a agÃncia governamental nacional de Aids (DN DST/Aids e HV), a OrganizaÃÃo NÃo Governamental (GRAB) que recebe o apoio tÃcnico e financeiro para executar projetos de prevenÃÃo com a populaÃÃo de gays e outros HSH e os prÃprios HSH que transitam pela cidade. TrÃs eixos importantes para a anÃlise foram estabelecidos: a globalizaÃÃo (e as relaÃÃes entre o global e o local), a constituiÃÃo de uma comunidade ou de um grupo social e a construÃÃo de uma cultura sexual. A estratÃgia metodolÃgica elaborada para esta pesquisa envolveu a coleta e anÃlise de dados de diferentes origens, tipos e qualidades. Foram analisados documentos oficiais, publicaÃÃes cientÃficas sobre identidade e HIV/Aids, projetos elaborados pelo GRAB e a realizaÃÃo de um trabalho de campo junto aos HSH. Esta anÃlise pretende visibilizar potencialidades e limites da polÃtica identitÃria, sugerindo a atenÃÃo para as intersecÃÃes entre orientaÃÃo sexual, identidade de gÃnero, raÃa e classe, e os contextos intersubjetivos estabelecidos pelos indivÃduos em suas sociabilidades erÃticas. Essas reflexÃes possibilitam a proposiÃÃo de aÃÃes de prevenÃÃo Ãs DST/Aids em contraponto aos discursos identitÃrios vigentes. / The present study aims to analyze the social construction of vulnerability to HIV/Aids of men who have sex with men (MSM) in the city of Fortaleza, approaching the Brazilian politics of HIV/Aids prevention. The speeches of three social protagonists are examined: the national governmental Aids agency (DN DST/Aids and HIV), the Non-Governmental Agency (GRAB), that receives technical and financial support to execute prevention projects with âgay population and others MSMâ, including MSM that walk around the city. Three important points of analysis are established: the globalization (and the relations between global and local), the constitution of a community or a social group and the construction of a sexual culture. The methodological strategy of this research involves the collection and analysis of data from different origins, types and qualities. Official documents, scientific publications on identity and HIV/Aids, projects elaborated by GRAB and a field research on MSM are analyzed. This analysis intends to highlight potentialities and limits of identity politics, suggesting the attention to the intersections between sexual orientation, gender identity, race and class, and the intersubjetive contexts established by individuals in their erotic sociabilities. These reflections allow to propose actions for STD/Aids prevention in counterpoint to the identitary speeches in vigor.

Submitted by Erika Demachki (erikademachki@gmail.com) on 2017-03-23T21:02:36Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Tese - Marina Pedroso de Oliveira - 2017.pdf: 6913469 bytes, checksum: 0f52c792d453bdaabe154c7fca4f726b (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2017-03-24T11:03:37Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Tese - Marina Pedroso de Oliveira - 2017.pdf: 6913469 bytes, checksum: 0f52c792d453bdaabe154c7fca4f726b (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-03-24T11:03:37Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Tese - Marina Pedroso de Oliveira - 2017.pdf: 6913469 bytes, checksum: 0f52c792d453bdaabe154c7fca4f726b (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-02-21 / Outro / Men who have sex with men (MSM) are more vulnerable to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection when compared to the general population. In Brazil, the epidemiological profile of hepatitis B in MSM is still poorly understood. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of HBV infection in MSM in Goiânia-Goiás and to analyze the associated factors, perform a molecular characterization of the viral isolates, as well as to investigate the vaccine situation against hepatitis B in this population. A cross-sectional study was conducted among MSM in the City of Goiânia, Central Brazil. From March to November 2014, a total of 522 participants were recruited using respondent-driven sampling (RDS). After signing the consent form, MSM were interviewed and a blood sample was collected. All samples were tested for HBV serological markers and HBV DNA. HBV isolates were sequenced for the determination of HBV genotypes and subgenotypes by phylogenetic analysis and for identification of mutations in viral genome. Data were analyzed using the RDSAT and SPSS programs. The overall prevalence of HBV infection (presence of anti-HBc marker) was 15.4% (95% CI: 8.7-25.8) and the rate of HBsAg carriers was 0.6% (95% CI: 0.2-1.6). Age over 25 years old, receptive anal intercourse, previous sex with women, and history of sexually transmitted infection (STI) were factors associated with HBV infection. Viral DNA was detected only in HBsAg-positive individuals, and occult HBV infection was not observed in the study population. HBV isolates were classified into genotype A (subgenotypes A1 and A2).Mutations in the S (T131N), basal core promoter (BCP) (A1762T/G1764A) and Pre-C/C (G1862T/G1888A and G1862T) regions of the HBV genome were identified. About 40% (95% CI: 32.3-48.8) of the participants had serological evidence of previous HBV vaccination (reactive for isolated anti-HBs), while 76.2% reported having previously received the vaccine. In addition, 44.3% (95% CI: 36.1-52.9) of MSM were susceptible to HBV infection. A greater frequency of positivity for anti-HBs alone was observed among MSM up to 25 years old, followed by declining vaccination with increasing age. By contrast, an increase in HBV infection with increasing age was found. HBV vaccination was associated with unprotected anal intercourse and history of STI (with a borderline p-value). In this study, we observed a poor agreement when comparing the self-reported and serologic evidence of HBV vaccination (k = 0.17). These results reveal a high overall prevalence of HBV infection in the study population associated with sexual risk behaviors, and in contrast, a low frequency of hepatitis B vaccination, evidencing a need for public health strategies to increase vaccine coverage in MSM, in addition to monitoring HBV carriers. / Homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH) apresentam maior vulnerabilidade para infecção pelo vírus da hepatite B (HBV) quando comparados à população em geral. No Brasil, o perfil epidemiológico da hepatite B em HSH ainda é pouco conhecido. Este estudo teve como objetivos estimar a prevalência da infecção pelo HBV em HSH em Goiânia-Goiás e analisar os fatores associados, realizar a caracterização molecular dos isolados virais, bem como investigar a situação vacinal contra hepatite B e fatores associados. Estudo transversal conduzido em HSH na região metropolitana de Goiânia-GO. De março a novembro de 2014, um total de 522 participantes foi recrutado utilizando o método respondent-driven sampling (RDS). Após assinatura do termo de consentimento livre e esclarecido, os HSH foram entrevistados e amostras sanguíneas coletadas. Todas as amostras foram testadas por ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA) para detecção dos marcadores sorológicos da hepatite B e submetidas à extração e amplificação do HBV DNA. Os isolados do HBV foram sequenciados para determinação dos genótipos e subgenótipos do vírus por análise filogenética e para identificação de mutações no genoma viral. Os dados foram analisados utilizando os programas RDSAT e SPSS. A prevalência global da infecção pelo HBV (anti-HBc) foi de 15,4% (IC 95%: 8,7-25,8) e do HBsAg de 0,6% (IC 95%: 0,2-1,6). Idade acima de 25 anos, sexo anal receptivo, relação sexual com mulheres e história de infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (IST) foram fatores associados à infecção pelo HBV. O DNA viral foi detectado apenas nos indivíduos HBsAg positivos, não sendo observada infecção oculta na população estudada. Os isolados do HBV foram classificados como pertencentes ao genótipo A (subgenótipos A1 e A2) do HBV. Mutações nas regiões S (T131N), promotora basal do core (BCP) (A1762T/G1764A) e Pré-C/C (G1862T/G1888A e G1862T) do genoma viral foram identificadas. Cerca de 40% (IC 95%: 32,3-48,8) dos participantes tinham evidência sorológica de vacinação contra hepatite B (anti-HBs isolado), enquanto que 76,2% relataram ter recebido a vacina previamente. Além disso, 44,3% (IC 95%: 36,1-52,9) dos HSH eram suscetíveis à infecção pelo HBV. Observou-se uma maior positividade para anti-HBs isolado entre os HSH com até 25 anos de idade, seguido de seu declínio com o aumento da idade e, por outro lado, verificou-se aumento da infecção pelo HBV. A vacinação contra a hepatite B foi associada ao sexo anal desprotegido e marginalmente à história de IST. Neste estudo, notou-se, ainda, uma baixa concordância entre evidência sorológica e auto relato de vacinação (k = 0,17). Estes resultados revelam uma prevalência global elevada da infecção pelo HBV na população estudada e sua associação com comportamentos sexuais de risco e, em contraste, uma frequência baixa de vacinação contra hepatite B, evidenciando a necessidade de políticas públicas contínuas de saúde voltadas para os HSH, incluindo estratégias para aumentar a cobertura vacinal, além do monitoramento dos indivíduos portadores do HBV.

Background: Social networks, norms, and discussions about sexual health may inform sexual practices, influencing risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or sexually transmitted infection (STI) acquisition. To better understand social networks of Peruvian men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (trans women), we examined key social network members (SNMs), participant perceptions of these network members’ opinions toward sexual health behaviors, and associations between network member characteristics and condomless anal intercourse (CAI). Methods: In a 2017 cross-sectional study, a convenience sample of 565 MSM and trans women with HIV-negative or unknown serostatus was asked to identify three close SNMs; describe discussions about HIV and STI prevention with each; and report perceived opinions of condom use, HIV/STI testing, and partner notification of STIs. Generalized estimating equations evaluated relationships between SNM characteristics, opinions, and discussions and participant-reported CAI. Results: Among participants who identified as MSM, 42.3% of key SNMs were perceived to identify as gay. MSM “never” discussed HIV and STI prevention concerns with 42.4% of heterosexual SNMs, but discussed them “at least once weekly” with 16.9 and 16.6% of gay- and bisexual- identifying SNMs, respectively. Among participants who identified as trans women, 28.2% of key SNMs were perceived as heterosexual; 25.9%, as bisexual; 24.7%, as transgender; and 21.2%, as gay. Trans women discussed HIV/STI prevention least with cis-gender heterosexual network members (40.2% “never”) and most with transgender network members (27.1% “at least once weekly”). Participants perceived most of their close social network to be completely in favor of condom use (71.2% MSM SNMs, 61.5% trans women SNMs) and HIV/STI testing (73.1% MSM SNMs, 75.6% trans women SNMs), but described less support for partner STI notification (33.4% MSM SNMs, 37.4% trans women SNMs). Most participants reported CAI with at least one of their past three sexual partners (77.5% MSM, 62.8% trans women). SNM characteristics were not significantly associated with participant-reported frequency of CAI. Conclusions: Findings compare social support, perceived social norms, and discussion patterns of Peruvian MSM and trans women, offering insight into social contexts and sexual behaviors. Trial registration: The parent study from which this analysis was derived was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT03010020) on January 4, 2017. / National Institutes of Health / Revisión por pares

Personalized cognitive counseling (PCC) is an evidence-based intervention designed to modify HIV-related risk behavior. We assessed the impact of PCC on sexual behavior, drinking expectancy, and incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in a 6-month randomized controlled trial among 153 HIV-uninfected men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TW) in Peru. Study retention was ≥ 90%, with three HIV infections (3 Control) and 19 cases of GC/CT (10 Control, 9 PCC) at 6 months. There was a decline in condomless receptive anal intercourse in the Control (0.74, 95% CI 0.60-0.91; p < 0.01) and PCC arms (0.72, 0.55-0.94; p = 0.02) at 6-month follow-up. There was a decrease in drinking expectancy at 6 months among participants endorsing alcohol use in the PCC arm (0.89, 0.83-0.96; p < 0.01), versus no change in the Control arm (0.98, 0.92-1.04; p = 0.54). PCC was efficacious in reducing drinking expectancy and HIV risk among MSM and TW in Peru. / National Institutes of Health / Revisión por pares

Magnetic shape memory alloys are active materials which deform under the application of a magnetic field or an external stress. Due to their internal friction, recognizable from the strain-stress hysteresis, this new material technology allows the design of multistable actuators. This paper describes and characterizes an innovative airflow control valve whose aperture is proportional to the deformation of the active material and thus controllable by the input voltage. The multistability of the material is partially exploited within an airflow control loop to reduce the energy losses of the valve when a specific airflow value must be hold.

Background: HIV- and MSM-related stigma are well documented as common for Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV, yet there is sparse literature on intimate partner violence (IPV) and its relationship with stigma in this vulnerable population. To evaluate the association between HIV-stigma and stigma related to homosexuality and IPV among newly HIV-diagnosed MSM in China. Methods: Data were collected in the baseline survey among newly HIV-diagnosed Chinese MSM in a randomized clinical trial via face-to-face interviews. Univariate logistic and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the associations between IPV and HIV- and MSM-related stigma. Results: Of 367 newly HIV-diagnosed Chinese MSM, 23.7% experienced any IPV, including 16.6% physical, 7.4% psychological and 5.2% sexual IPV. Positive associations were found between HIV- and MSM-related stigma and IPV. Men with high HIV-related stigma (score ≥ 27) were 1.67 times as likely to experience any IPV as those with low stigma (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.67, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-2.76). Men with high MSM-related stigma (score ≥ 6) were 1.99 times as likely to experience any IPV as those with low stigma (AOR: 1.99, 95% CI: 1.18-3.36). Conclusions: HIV- and MSM-related stigmas was positively associated with IPV experiences among newly diagnosed MSM in China. The manner in which stigma may exacerbate IPV, and/or the influence of IPV on worsening stigma should be further evaluated. The high prevalence of IPV and stigma in this population suggests that interventions should be taken to reduce stigma and prevent this risky behavior among MSM.

Given the state and social homophobias one can encounter in Cameroon, it can be rightly assumed that MSM (men who have sex with men) constitute an extraordinarily vulnerable group. Such vulnerability, besides its legal nature, encompasses a number of sexual risk behaviours and psychological distress precisely derived from criminal prosecution and social discrimination. For that reason, and following the humanitarian imperative, humanitarian actors might want to launch an operation targeting such populations. Nevertheless, various ethical challenges linked to conflicting humanitarian principles, the post-colonial socio-political positions, and the diversity of queer identities might arise. This thesis will explore such ethical challenges, in an attempt to sensitise foreign humanitarians about the most sensible, yet effective, ways to support MSM in 21st- century Cameroon. The methodology used will include primary data collection through interviews and open- ended questionnaires, secondary data collection through articles and books, and the analysis and discussion of both. The theoretical framework utilised will be a combination of the Post-colonial and Queer theories, complemented with concepts borrowed from the advocacy and humanitarian ethics field.

Sexual anxiety is a prevalent issue among men who have sex with men (MSM) that negatively affects sexual satisfaction and wellbeing. However, research investigating sexual anxiety among MSM has been scarce. This descriptive phenomenological study was conducted to address knowledge gaps and identify the predominant underlying causes of sexual anxiety among non-monogamous MSM. Using purposive sampling, eleven sexually active, non-monogamous MSM were recruited for this study (N=11). Data were collected using audio-recorded, semi-structured interviews, and analyzed using Moustakas’ (1994) structured approach to data analysis in phenomenological research. Participant descriptions of their lived experiences of sexual anxiety identified six prevalent causes among MSM individuals. These included performance anxiety, fear of HIV, fear of bacterial STIs, internalized homophobia, body image dissatisfaction, and history of sexual abuse. Not surprisingly, fear of HIV was the dominant cause of sexual anxiety among most participants. Recommendations to prevent and reduce sexual anxiety among MSM are provided.

To improve understanding of factors associated with intimate partner violence (IPV) and explore its role in sexually transmitted infection (STI) acquisition, we analyzed partnership-level correlates of IPV among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TW) in Peru. In a 2017 cross-sectional study of rectal STI screening and HIV prevention, MSM/TW completed a sociobehavioral survey addressing demographic characteristics, sexual risk behaviors, and substance use, and were tested for rectal gonorrhea and chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV. Generalized estimating equations estimated individual- and partner-level correlates of IPV. Of 576 participants (median age, 27 years), 7.9% (36/456) of MSM and 15.0% (18/120) of TW reported IPV with ≥ 1 of their last three partners. MSM/TW reporting IPV were more likely to meet criteria for an alcohol use disorder (74.1%) than participants reporting no IPV (56.7%; p <.01). Physical violence (4.5% MSM; 9.2% TW) was associated with stable partnerships (aPR 3.79, 95% CI 1.79–8.04), partner concurrency (4.42, 1.19–16.40), and participant alcohol (4.71, 1.82–12.17) or drug use (5.38, 2.22–13.02) prior to sex. Psychological violence (4.5% MSM; 5.0% TW) was associated with stable partnerships (2.84, 1.01–7.99). Sexual IPV was reported by 1.1% of MSM and 5.0% of TW. Physical, psychological, and sexual IPV were reported in sexual partnerships of Peruvian MSM and TW, particularly with stable partners and in conjunction with substance use. / Revisión por pares