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The objective of this study was to explore the acceptability of rapid HIV self-testing (RHST)among men who have sex with men (MSM).MethodsDuring 2006±2009, a sample of 500 MSM was recruited through Respondent Driven Samplingfor an HIV prevalence/incidence study. Attitude toward RHST was explored amongHIV negative MSM. Data were weighted prior to analyses.ResultsParticipants reported they were likely to buy RHST (74%), test themselves more frequentlythan they currently do (77%), and that the procedure would simplify testing (70%). Furthermore,71% reported they would probably use it alone, 66% would use it with a steady partner,and 56% with a friend/partner. While a majority acknowledged that RHST use woulddeprive them of receiving counseling (61%), 74% declared they would go for help if theytested positive; 57% would use an RHST in order to avoid condoms. Probability of use surpassed70% among gay and non-gay identified MSM as well as those with and without aprevious HIV test. Those likely to buy RHST were older (p = 0.025) and more likely to identifyas gay (p = 0.036). A total of 17% said they would think about killing themselves and 9%would attempt suicide if they tested positive. These MSM were more likely to be younger(p

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of HIV and other STIs, among MSM from Buenos Aires (2007-2009). METHODS Responding Driven Sampling was used for recruitment of MSM. Participants completed a structured web-based survey and provided biological samples. RESULTS A total of 496 MSM were studied for HIV, HBV, HCV, and T pallidum infections. Chlamydia and HPV diagnoses were only performed in 98 and 109 participants, respectively. Prevalence of HIV was 17.3%, HBV 22.9%, HCV 7.5%, T pallidum 20.5%, HPV 83.5%, and C trachomatis 1.7%. In the year prior to the evaluation, 71% of the participants had had sex with men and/or trans and women (MMW) while 29% had not had sex with women (MM). Comparing MM to MMW, prevalence of HIV (30.7% vs. 11.9%, p

Background Prior research focusing on men who have sex with men (MSM) conducted in Buenos Aires, Argentina, used convenience samples that included mainly gay identified men. To increase MSM sample representativeness, we used Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS) for the first time in Argentina. Using RDS, under certain specified conditions, the observed estimates for the percentage of the population with a specific trait are asymptotically unbiased. We describe, the diversity of the recruited sample, from the point of view of sexual orientation, and contrast the different subgroups in terms of their HIV sexual risk behavior. Methodology 500 MSM were recruited using RDS. Behavioral data were collected through face-to-face interviews and Web-based CASI. Conclusion In contrast with prior studies, RDS generated a very diverse sample of MSM from a sexual identity perspective. Only 24.5% of participants identified as gay; 36.2% identified as bisexual, 21.9% as heterosexual, and 17.4% were grouped as “other.” Gay and non-gay identified MSM differed significantly in their sexual behavior, the former having higher numbers of partners, more frequent sexual contacts and less frequency of condom use. One third of the men (gay, 3%; bisexual, 34%, heterosexual, 51%; other, 49%) reported having had sex with men, women and transvestites in the two months prior to the interview. This population requires further study and, potentially, HIV prevention strategies tailored to such diversity of partnerships. Our results highlight the potential effectiveness of using RDS to reach non-gay identified MSM. They also present lessons learned in the implementation of RDS to recruit MSM concerning both the importance and limitations of formative work, the need to tailor incentives to circumstances of the less affluent potential participants, the need to prevent masking, and the challenge of assessing network size.