Does migration background differently affect the impact of risk factors associated with HIV infection among men who have sex with men?

Abstract

Background: Limited research has examined differences in risk behaviour among men who have sex with men (MSM) with a migration background in the Netherlands and the role of these risk behaviours in HIV infection among MSM with migration background, while research indicated that MSM with a migration background are disproportionately impacted by HIV infection (Beyrer, 2012; CDC, 2011; Wohl et al., 2013). Aim: The aim of this study was to test if migration background differently affect the impact of risk factors associated with HIV infections among MSM. Methods: This research had a cross-sectional design. The data used for this research was retrieved from the online survey ‘Men & Sexuality 2018’. Multiple socio-demographic and behavioural risks factors are included. Age, sexual preference, residency, education, number of sexual partners, condom use with steady, casual or one-time partners, alcohol use and drug use were examined among MSM with a migration background, Non-Western (n = 722), Western (n = 448) and Dutch (n = 5035) MSM in the Netherlands. Results: Chi-square test showed that people with different migration groups differed on all variables, except for having casual sexpartners (p=0.061), drugs use (p=0.623) and the prevention method withdrawal before ejaculation (p=0.160). In multiple stratified regression models, the risk factors normally associated with HIV infection were confirmed. However, in contradiction with the hypothesis no association was observed for the interaction effects of migration background. In sum, migration groups differ in socio-demographic characteristics and risk behaviour, thereby their chance of getting HIV infected, although the risk on HIV infection appears to be similar to Dutch MSM. Conclusions: These data underscore the differences in socio-demographic characteristics and behaviour factors among MSM with a migration background and emphasize the need for effective behavioural strategies designed to prevent health disparities among MSM with a migration background. These findings can be used to shape effective risk reduction programs and behavioural counseling taking into account their different socio-demographic characteristics and risk behaviour , especially for Non-western MSM who differ the most in socio-demographic characteristics and risk behaviour from Dutch MSM.