Experience of sexuality education and sexual health knowledge among HIV+ gay men and other men who have sex with men in Puerto Rico

Background: Sexuality education (SE) and Sexual health knowledge (SHK) have been described as important determinants of risk for HIV. Yet, little is known about SE and SHK among Hispanic HIV+ gay men and MSM. Method: We examined data from an ongoing behavioral study being conducted in a CBO that offers HIV-related services in PR. The study, enclosed to HIV+ gay men and other MSM, includes the participation in a survey interview that includes socio-demographic characteristics and various measures of SE (age at first sex-related information, source of formal and information sex-education, etc.) and SHK (using a culturally-adapted version of the SHK Questionnaire). Results: 88 HIV+ MSM have participated in the study. Participants reported starting to receive sex-related information between the ages of 11-14yrs. More than half (55.2%) reported the school as the setting where they discussed a sex-related topic for the first time. When asked about the sources of formal sexuality education, the most common were middle school (39.8%) and health professionals (30.7%). Over half (54.5%) of the participants reported the Internet as the main source for information about sexuality. In the SHK Questionnaire, an overall score of 64% was observed. No significant association was found between measures of SE and SHK.  Conclusions: These preliminary findings show a sample with an overall late initiation for sexuality education and low SHK.  Further research should explore the kind of information this population have access from both, informal and formal sources so comprehensive sexual health promotion strategies can be developed.