Men are not tested for fear of results

By Evelia Hernández

June 27, 2018- 19:36

Although men who have sex with men are aware of the risk of acquiring the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-AIDS), the use of protective barriers is still low in this population, as determined by the online survey on HIV with men who have sex with men (MSM), at the Central American level, made by the Pasmo Association.

Of the Salvadorans surveyed, 80% reported having sex with another man who had logged on to the Internet, of these 47% reported using condoms in agreement with these couples. However, the percentage falls to 38% when it comes to couples in general, that is, known in person or online.

The results were obtained in 2017 in the following countries: Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras and Panama. With a sample of 622 men over the age of 18 who reported having marital relations with other men.

In the case of El Salvador, a sample of 132 participants was obtained, of which 75% of the respondents were 18 and 29 years old with a college education level.

Still according to sexual preferences, 66% identified as gay men and 25% identified themselves as bisexual and 8% abstained from self-identification. However, "although people identify as gay, they do not necessarily practice it," says Paola Letona, representative of Pasmo.

Among the results of the survey, it is difficult to disclose sexual behavior with other men. 66% of respondents say that most of their friends know that he has had sex with other men, while only 26% know that he has had sex with d & # 's; 39, other men.

The director of the national program against STI / HIV / AIDS, Isabel Nieto, said that it is difficult to reach the male population, because they are the ones who refuse health services and HIV testing. "Men who do not want to recognize their sexual orientation and this is the biggest problem we have in El Salvador.Men do not assume their guidance and less prevention and risk perception," said Nieto

According to Nieto, the results of the survey are important to highlight the weaknesses and where they must work to "influence the confinement of the epidemic, as a public health problem."

This year, 600 new cases of people experiencing their HIV positive outcome have been identified. Nieto pointed out that this year there is no case of vertical transmission (mother to child).

The study also identified that among the main obstacles that men have to undergo an HIV test, the fear of knowing the results; fear that they discover that the test has been done.

In the survey, it was determined that this is due to homonegativity (negative attitudes toward sexual orientation, homophobia), in which 64% think they should hide 79% of this population is more active on the Internet (Facebook, Badoo, Grindr, and Tinder) for occasional sex or occasional contact as part of awareness and social activities.

. The study also identified that men feel more comfortable talking about their sexual orientation and that the possibility of HIV testing is increased, through the Cyber ​​Educators, because it There is more willingness for someone to talk about the importance of the HIV test and where the test can be done. By this means "increases almost three times", the probability of being tested for HIV, said Letona.

Among the prevention behaviors of respondents, 84% said that they practice HIV prevention, among them the 61% use a condom in all sexual relations, 54% do so by reducing the number of partners 29% of women do not have sex and 27 are faithful to their partner.

Among the participants in the survey, 3% are HIV-positive, 73% are HIV-negative and 24% do not know their current health status.