This article was originally published as: Factors affecting healthcare-seeking behaviour among men who have sex with men in Starehe sub-county, Nairobi City County
Original Article Link: Read Original Article
Download PDF: Click Here to Download PDF
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) are a marginalized population in Kenya. When seeking medical care, they usually encounter obstacles due to accusations and public discrimination. As a result, MSMs put themselves at risk of developing serious illnesses that would burden the economy. This study aims to identify the barriers and behaviors that influence MSM healthcare-seeking. A quantitative study was conducted in Nairobi’s Starehe sub-county. The researcher randomly selected participants at a Support Widows and Orphan Programmers drop-in center. The investigation happened between December 13, 2021, to January 15, 2022. Participants were subjected to a self-administered questionnaire after consenting. Most respondents were youths (92.7%:190). MSM’s who encountered discrimination while receiving treatment were three times more likely to be afraid to seek medical attention (UOR=3.2, 95% CI). The majority of MSMs preferred non-government institutions (56.1 %; 115). The MSMs who were denied medical care were more likely to be afraid to seek care (UOR=3.9, 95% CI (1.192, 12.434). MSMs showed confidence in disclosing their sexual orientation to a health provider (82.1%:133) compared to family members (18.3%:11). The study found that MSMs’ have challenges and poor health-seeking behaviors that is due to lack of a strategy for providing medical care to MSMs. The Ministry of Health should plan on how to supply items like drugs and protective devices required in the treatment and prevention of diseases among MSMs. Participants in this study were selected at the centrally located site in Nairobi County. The selection at one center can contribute to sampling bias.
Authors
- Anthony Omariba Onsomu (Aga Khan University, Kenya)
- Eunice Ndirangu Mugo (Aga Khan University, Kenya)
- Maureen Akolo (Aga Khan University, Kenya)
Keywords
Health-seeking behaviour, Infections, Public health, Sexually transmitted diseases
References
References not available for this article.
