Factors associated with self-reported discrimination against men who have sex with men in Brazil

• Main Authors: Laio Magno (Author), Inês Dourado (Author), Luís Augusto V da Silva (Author), Sandra Brignol (Author), Ana Maria de Brito (Author), Mark Drew Crosland Guimarães (Author), Adele Benzaken (Author), Adriana de A Pinho (Author), Carl Kendall (Author), Ligia Regina Franco Sansigolo Kerr (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Universidade de São Paulo, 2017-11-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To estimate self-reported discrimination due to sexual orientation among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Brazil and to analyze associated factors. METHODS A cross-sectional study of 3,859 MSM recruited in 2008-2009 with respondent driven sampling. Data collection conducted in health centers in 10 Brazilian cities. A face-to-face questionnaire was used and rapid HIV and syphilis tests conducted. Aggregated data were weighted and adjusted odds ratio estimated to measure the association between selected factors and self-reported discrimination due to sexual orientation. RESULTS The sample was predominantly young, eight plus years of schooling, pardo (brown), single, low-income, and identified themselves as gay or homosexual. The prevalence of self-reported discrimination due to sexual orientation was 27.7% (95%CI 26.2-29.1). Discrimination was independently associated with: age < 30 years, more years of schooling, community involvement and support, history of sexual and physical violence, suicidal thoughts, and unprotected receptive anal intercourse. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of self-reported discrimination among MSM in Brazil is high. These results challenge the assumptions that MSM-specific prevention and support programs are not required or that health professionals do not need special training to address MSM needs.

Item Description

1518-8787
10.11606/s1518-8787.2017051000016