Social networks and condomless intercourse with female partners among male sex workers in the Dominican Republic

Int J STD AIDS. 2021 Feb;32(2):176-183. doi: 10.1177/0956462420920406. Epub 2020 Dec 18.

Abstract

Male sex workers (MSW) in the Dominican Republic (DR) have multiple sexual partners, including personal and client-relationships, and are disproportionately affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We examined the prevalence of condomless anal and/or vaginal intercourse (CI) among MSW in the DR as a function of social network factors. Self-report surveys and social network interviews were administered to MSW recruited through venue-based sampling (N = 220). A generalized linear model was used to complete a Poisson Regression model and identify variables significantly associated with the outcome of interest. CI was more common with female (28.3%) than with male partners (4.9%). Factors associated with CI with the last female partner included older age of MSW, CI with the last male partner, having a stable female partner (a consistent or main partner), and having ≥1 family member in the participants' social network. Partner and social network characteristics associated with CI among MSW suggest the utility of dyadic and network interventions to reduce HIV risk.

Keywords: Dominican Republic; HIV; Social networks; condom use; male sex worker.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Condoms / statistics & numerical data*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Dominican Republic / epidemiology
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology*
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • HIV Infections / transmission
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Sex Work
  • Sex Workers*
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Sexual Partners
  • Social Networking*
  • Unsafe Sex* / psychology
  • Unsafe Sex* / statistics & numerical data