Perceptions and Experiences of Males who have Sex with Men Regarding Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Background: Sexual and Reproductive Health services are a cornerstone for each nation to achieve Sustainable Development Goal Number 3, which challenges nations to ensure healthy lives and promote the well-being of all ages, including access to SRH services. Generally, stigma and policies against men who have sex with men have heightened the risk of getting and spreading sexually transmitted diseases in this key population. This study, therefore, sought to explore men who have sex with men's perceptions and experiences of sexual and reproductive health services offered in Bulawayo in Zimbabwe. Methods: An exploratory, descriptive qualitative study was conducted on twenty-four (24) purposively selected men who had sex with men identified through Sexual Rights Centre in Bulawayo. The study participants responded to unstructured interview questions that probed on their lived experiences and perceptions of sexual and reproductive health services offered by health facilities in the city of Bulawayo. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded, and thematically analyzed on MAXQDA Version 20 Pro. Results: Findings suggested that men who had sex with men sought a wider range of sexual and reproductive health services that ranged from voluntary counseling and testing, treatment of sexually transmitted infections, and obtaining pre-exposure prophylaxis tablets, among other issues. However, men who had sex with men faced discrimination, stigma, and hostile treatment by some health service providers. This scenario, in some instances, is perceived to have fueled their vulnerability and led to internalized homophobia. Conclusion: In pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal Number 3, which challenges all nations to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being at all ages, men who have sex with men are not fully accorded their rights. Therefore, there is a need to reorient health services and align policies to ensure the inclusion of this key population in accessing and utilizing sexual and reproductive health services.