ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Worldwide and particularly in Africa, Men who have sex with men (MSM) can play a significant role in response to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). In Burkina Faso the fight against HIV within this population seems to be limited by violence towards MSM. PURPOSE OF RESEARCH: The goal of this study was to identify the social obstacles to HIV response among MSM in Burkina Faso. METHODS: It has been a descriptive study with an exploratory aim in a mainly qualitative approach. It was conducted in the two biggest cities as well as two border ones of the country. Nonstructural interviews have been conducted with the help of prevention MSM actors. The data have been thematically analyzed. RESULTS: In the structural level, homosexuality is publically condemned by politicians some of whom seeking its criminalization. According to them it has "come from elsewhere" and is "contrary to morals". Even though there is no legally punishing regulation against it, political and administrative authorities and security forces do not protect MSM against homophobic violence. There is not enough care structures for MSM in the country. At the community level, many religious leaders condemn homosexuality, considered as a sin; they view homosexuality as an "abomination". MSM feel that they are victims of homophobic violence. CONCLUSIONS: The MSM are victims of violence from populations and state institutions too. To reach MSM by activities in response to HIV these obstacles must necessarily be removed.
Subject(s)
HIV Infections , Sexual and Gender Minorities , Male , Humans , Homosexuality, Male , HIV , Burkina Faso/epidemiology , HIV Infections/epidemiology , HIV Infections/prevention & controlABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: In Burkina Faso, the prevalence of HIV in serodifferent couples is comparable to that of some key populations. Our aim was to show the influence of HIV representation on the disclosure of HIV information in serodifferent couples. METHODS: A cross-sectional qualitative study was carried out from January to September 2019 in the city of Bobo-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso. In-depth individual interviews and focus groups were conducted with each partner of the couple using interview guides. The data was subject to thematic content analysis. RESULTS: The results show that more than three-quarters of the respondents did not share their HIV status. Those who had a negative attitude towards PLWHIV were less keen to share the information, considering that that HIV would transform the infected person negatively in the eyes of others. Also, sharing information was seen as a risk to the couple’s peace and stability. Others found the suffering of HIV so personal that it was difficult to share with others. CONCLUSION: People living with HIV, who see AIDS as a bad disease, fear the social effects of HIV and are therefore less favorable to disclose their HIV status. On the other hand, those who equated HIV with an illness like any other were keen to share information about their status.
Introduction: Au Burkina Faso, la prévalence du VIH dans les couples sérodifférents est comparable à celle des travailleuses de sexe et des hommes ayant des rapports sexuels avec d'autres hommes considérés comme des populations clés dans la lutte contre le VIH. Notre objectif était de montrer l'influence des représentations du VIH sur le partage de l'information sur la sérologie dans les couples sérodifférents. Méthodes: Nous avons réalisé une étude qualitative transversale de janvier à septembre 2019 dans la ville de Bobo-Dioulasso au Burkina Faso. Des entretiens individuels approfondis et des focus groups ont été menés auprès de chaque partenaire du couple au moyen de guides d'entretien. Les données ont fait l'objet d'une analyse de contenu thématique. Résultats: Les résultats révèlent que plus de trois quarts des enquêtés n'avaient pas partagé leur statut sérologique. Ceux qui avaient une attitude négative envers le VIH partageaient moins l'information. Ces enquêtés pensaient que le VIH transformait négativement la personne infectée aux yeux des autres ; aussi, le partage de l'information était considéré comme un risque pour la paix et la stabilité du couple. D'autres considéraient que la souffrance liée au VIH est si personnelle qu'il était difficile de la partager avec les autres. Conclusion: Les personnes Vivant avec le VIH (PVVIH) qui considèrent le sida comme une mauvaise maladie redoutent les effets sociaux du VIH donc sont moins favorables au partage de l'information sur la sérologie. Par contre, celles qui assimilent le VIH à une maladie comme les autres, étaient enclines à partager l'information sur leur sérologie.
