Title:
Exploring Barriers Affecting Low Access And Utilization Of Hiv Related Services By Men-Whohave-Sex With Men In Ghana
Authors:
Hotor, Philomina Edem
Year:
2014
PAGE:
vii, 51
Language:
En
Subject:
Governance & HIV and AIDS
Keywords:
Men-who-have-sex with Men (MSM), Health, Access, Utilization,
Abstract:
Background: Ghana has over the years experienced a stable generalized HIV epidemic until recently when emerging data indicates concentration among Key Populations at higher risk including MSM, IDUs and FSW. Among these groups, MSM are found to be disproportionately affected yet with low uptake of HIV related services. Objective: This paper aimed to critically assess various barriers affecting low access and utilization of HIV related services by MSM to aid in making recommendations to Ghana AIDs Commission to improve uptake of HIV Services. Method: Conducted critical analysis of reviewed literature pertaining to uptake of HIV services among MSM with guidance from the adapted Health Belief Model by Wirtz et al., 2014. Study Results: Study Results: Broad spectrum of studies from Africa suggest MSM engage in high risk behaviours such as transactional sex, unprotected anal sex, group sex, anal fisting and overlapping behaviours including the use of party drugs and alcohol. Such risk behaviours also have been reported in Ghana accounting for a high rate of new infections compared to other key populations at higher risk. Major concern on Health system factors regarding inadequate privacy, confidentiality, discriminatory attitudes, knowledge and skills of Health workers was found to significantly affect uptake. Nonetheless fear, social norms, political support and criminalization of MSM was very much outstanding as structural barriers accounting for the continuous low uptake to HIV services by MSM
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
,
VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institue)
Department:
Development Policy & Practice
Country:
Ghana, Republic of
Region:
West Africa
Training:
Master of Public Health / International Course in Health Development (ICHD)
Category:
Research
Right:
© 2014 Hotor
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
Idl1dhtNnG_20161113145229577.pdf