title: Strategies for recruiting steady male partners of female sex workers for HIV research.
abstract: Steady male partners of female sex workers (FSW) are a key population for HIV prevention, but researchers face challenges finding and recruiting this population. We conducted 40 in-depth interviews with FSW and steady male partners of FSW in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic about how to engage steady male partners in HIV research. Participants cautioned that male partners might be unwilling to participate because of discomfort disclosing intimate information and cultural norms of masculinity. They recommended inviting male partners to research offices, instead of venue-based recruitment, because it was more private and trust-promoting. Most participants suggested that FSW could refer their partners or men could refer their friends who have FSW partners. Participants emphasized that referrals could break down trust-related barriers that prevent male partners from participating. Establishing an environment of respect and trust in the research setting can aid referral processes as individuals who participate communicate their positive experiences to their networks.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 302 Rosenau Hall, Chapel Hill, NC, USA, pfleming@unc.edu.
authors.forename: Paul J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Fleming
authors.forename: Clare
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Barrington
authors.forename: Martha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Perez
authors.forename: Yeycy
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Donastorg
authors.forename: Deanna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kerrigan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004293:Dominican Republic; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018579:Patient Selection; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012307:Risk Factors; D011477:Sex Work; D060386:Sex Workers; D012747:Sexual Partners