 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Nazia Yusuf, Population Council, Bangladesh, House 21 Road 118, Gulshan, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh, 8802-8821227, nazia@pcdhaka.org and Ubaidur Rob, Bangladesh Country Office, Population Council, House # CES (B) 21, Road # 118, Gulshan, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
It is increasingly becoming very apparent the existence of MSM in Bangladesh society despite the social stigma and religious taboo held against such act. Recent publications have also emerged which highlights the commercial aspects of male-to-male sex in the country. Findings from documents indicate that male-to-male sexual activity occurs both before and after marriage at significant levels across religious, class, economic and age groups of Bangladeshi society. Two separate qualitative studies conducted on MSMs in two major cities suggest that MSM activity is prevalent in the form of friendship and fantasy sex, situational and opportunistic sex, forced sex and group sex in addition to at commercial setting. Most men who have sex with other men reportedly began having such relations as adolescents with their first partner being a family member as visiting uncle, as cousin or an older brother. Migrant labor, forcing men to be apart from their spouse may also be a factor promoting male-to-male sex. Among the MSMs, those who sell sex, they initiate and continue selling primarily due to low economic and social status. Considerable level of partner change and sexual networking, and low level of condom use are commonly reported behaviors. Moreover, significant proportion also has sex with the female population, usually without the use of condom. Many of these men have inadequate access to sexual health diagnosis and treatment services. The commonly reported risky behavior of MSMs is critical and indicates their high vulnerability, and also vulnerability of their female partners to HIV/STIs. Key words: Condom use, Risky Behavior
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.