Listening to the Voices of Gay and Bisexual Men and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men in Kenya: Recommendations for Improved HIV Prevention Programming

Undergrad J Public Health Univ Mich. 2023:7:84-96. doi: 10.3998/ujph.3949. Epub 2024 Jun 14.

Abstract

Young gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) are a key population at high risk for new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in Kenya; thus, increased efforts are necessary to reduce their health risks. This qualitative study describes recommendations offered by young GBMSM in Kenya regarding the development and delivery of culturally appropriate HIV prevention services. Both young GBMSM Community Members and Peer Educators recommend that future HIV prevention efforts enhance economic empowerment, provide mental health and substance use services, and incorporate arts-based health promotion strategies. In addition, participants recommended that public health professionals increase the ease of access to HIV prevention services for GBMSM and that researchers disseminate findings from HIV prevention research back to the community.

Keywords: GBMSM; HIV; Kenya; mental health.