Common Risky Sexual Behaviours Among Men Who Have Sex with Men using A Modified Delphi Technique

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study is to obtain consensus for identifying sexual risk behaviors that are relevant among men who have sex with men (MSM), specifically in the context of Tshwane North, South Africa, in order to guide the development of a risk reduction intervention. Methods: The Delphi technique was employed to establish the top ten behaviours that are described as high risk by experts in sexual practices. The setting was a specialised clinic rendering health services to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities. A sample of n=14 MSM participated in the panel interview and they were divided into three groups. The panel rated risky sexual behaviour according to a 10-point scale, with 1–3 signifying low-risk sexual behaviours, 4–6 signifying medium risk and 7–10 signifying high-risk sexual behaviours. Results: The mean age was 26.8 years old, with a standard deviation of 4. The initial list prioritised the 10 high-risk sexual behaviours as both receptive and insertive anal sex, having multiple partners, sex with a partner of unknown HIV status, sex with an HIV-positive partner without a condom, group sex, both receptive and insertive oral sex, sex without a condom, sex under the influence of alcohol, performing and receiving rimming, and sharing sex toys. Conclusion: The final list ranked the top ten risky sexual behaviours for MSM. It could be of use when counselling MSM during their healthcare visits about risk reduction to mitigate HIV acquisition.