Predisposing, Enabling and Reinforcing Factors of the Utilization of VCT by Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM)

Abstract

MSM have a higher risk of HIV infection due to their multiple sexual partner behaviour and the anal intercourse practices. The incidence of HIV and AIDS by MSM is increasing compared to the years before. VCT is one of the effective strategies of HIV and AIDS prevention and treatment. Whereas the access to VCT services by MSM is still considered as low by the reason of the stigma and stereotypes against MSM and HIV and AIDS itself. The study is intended to explore the factors related to the MSM willingness to conduct VCT. This study used a qualitative method. We identified 9 key informants through snowball sampling method at IGAMA Malang. Data was collected by in-depth interview, analyzing descriptively, and presenting in a narrative. The results show that most of the informants has an adequate of knowledge concerning the VCT, HIV and AIDS. However, access to VCT services is still constrained by the schedule since most of the services are in the work days. The impetus for accessing VCT derived largely from community friends. With respect to the societal stigma and discrimination towards homosexuals, we did not recognize personal stigmatizing attitude and discriminatory behaviors by health workers. It makes them feel convenient because they are familiar to the health workers. The conclusion was that factors associated with the utilization of VCT service by MSM includes knowledge, perception, information, availability of the services, peer supports, and the attitudes or behavior of health workers. We suggested that VCT services would be better if could be performed also in the weekends.Keywords: HIV and AIDS, Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM), VCT utilization