title: Challenges for the sexual health and social acceptance of men who have sex with men in Nigeria.
abstract: Little research exists regarding men who have sex with men and sexual risk in Nigeria. Prior to the implementation of a targeted HIV/STI prevalence study, structured focus groups incorporating anonymous questionnaires were conducted with members of this population in secure locations in Nigeria. A purposive sample of men was recruited by word-of-mouth. Five focus groups were conducted with a total of 58 men. Mean age was 27 years (range 16-58); 60% had post-secondary education; 56% were employed full or part-time; 83% were Christian; 16% were Muslim; 66% self-identified as bisexual; 31% as homosexual. Participants' experiences were diverse, with ethnic, religious and class distinctions strongly structuring sexual expression. Same-sex community networks were hidden, with social activities taking place in non-commercial, private venues. Socially ostracized by culture, religion, and political will, the risks embodied within same-sex activity are high. For Nigeria--a nation culturally rich and religiously devout--the implications for public health policy are complex. However, these research findings suggest that immediate action is vital to mitigate the impacts of HIV and other STIs.
authors: HIV Social, Behavioural and Epidemiological Studies Unit, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Toronto. Canada. dan.allman@utoronto.ca
authors: Dan
authors: D
authors: Allman
authors: Sylvia
authors: S
authors: Adebajo
authors: Ted
authors: T
authors: Myers
authors: Oludare
authors: O
authors: Odumuye
authors: Sade
authors: S
authors: Ogunsola
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D017144:Focus Groups; D006304:Health Status; D006716:Homosexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D033262:Narration; D009549:Nigeria; D012918:Social Alienation; D012931:Social Environment; D013240:Stereotyping; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires