AEGiS-14IAC: Bisexuality and trust, new high risk factors against the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

14th International AIDS Conference

Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

Bisexuality and trust, new high risk factors against the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. G12489)

Sanchez marte LE, Soriano MR, Taylor MB, Reyes AE
Amigos siempre amigos (asa), Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

ISSUE: The incidence of sexual contacts among both sexes to obtain some type of profit, either financial or other kind, has increased in the city of Santo Domingo. This has become one of the highest risk factors facing the HIV/AIDS epidemic, especially when it goes along with the element of trust.

DESCRIPTION: Trough an etnography, developed in this population, we were able to determine their behavior and conduct, specially among those engaged in sexual work. One of the most significant behaviors we have learned, is the broad awareness of HIV/AIDS, which contrasts with the scarce prevention tools employed for them, as well as the risk they take on when the feeling of trust or affection towards their sexual or emotional partners is present.

ISSUES: 87% admitted not using condoms with their partners once they became close. Them admitted they felt no need to use a condom with their female partners if they knew them. 93% expressed that the use of condoms was not necessary during oral sex. The oral sex is the most common practice and the preferred one among bisexual men when they relate with other men, while vaginal and anal penetration is the favorite with women. Among these individuals couple relationships are very unstable, which leads to very occasional sex encounters with both males and females thus increasing the risk and facilitating the transmission of infections, including HIV.

RECOMMENDATIONS: This population requires an intervention that should revise the existing concept of masculinity and at the same time increase their perception of risk and the level of self esteem. To guarantee the success of an educational intervention in a population of bisexual men, it must analyze the possibility that bisexuality and male sexual work represent a clear psychological and social permission to cope with their unaccepted homosexuality. This situation increases their risk of infection or transmission of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Bisexuality, Risk Factors, HIV Infections, Condoms, HIV Seropositivity, Disease Outbreaks, Sex Behavior, Incidence, Homosexuality, Trust, Emotions, Human, Male, Female

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G12489