Prevalence of HIV and syphilis infections among men who have sex with men attending an integrated counseling and testing centre at Agra: Comparison with studies in other regions of India

Men who have sex with men (MSMs) are a group of high-risk individuals in India, who have remained neglected for a long time. Stigma, discrimination and laws criminalizing sex between men undermine access to HIV/AIDS and other health care services. In this study, we determined the seroprevalence and risk factors for HIV and syphilis infections among a group of MSMs attending an Integrated Counseling & Testing Centre (ICTC) at Agra during 2009-11. The results have been compared with those in other regions of the country. There were 277 MSMs registered with a nongovernmental organization (NGO), Khushi, involved in a Targeted Intervention (11) project, who were tested for HIV and venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) infections. Sociodemographic profile, risk factors, sexual identity, general health care access, and previous HIV and/or sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, etc., were documented. The prevalence of HIV and syphilis infections among the MSMs are 11.9% (33/277) and 11.1% (31/277), respectively. There were 74% of them in the age group of 15-35 years, illiterate, and having no specific job. Alcohol, drug abuse, and high-risk behavior were common as they preferred to be in groups. There were 70% of HIV-positive MSMs, and 87% of those having sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) were unmarried and had multiple partners. Some of the MSMs were married and in bisexual relationships, and they might serve as an important bridge population between men and women. High prevalence of HIV and STDs in this group emphasizes the need for public health interventions aimed at reduction of risky behavior, education and counseling to urge them to seek health care advice when needed.