Implementation and evaluation of a culturally grounded group-based HIV prevention programme for men who have sex with men in Ghana.

Gamji M'Rabiu Abubakari, LaRon E Nelson, Adedotun Ogunbajo, Francis Boakye, Patrick Appiah, Apondi Odhiambo, Ting Sa, Nanhua Zhang, Ironyah Ngozi, Adjei Scott, Geoffrey Maina, Abubakar Manu, Kwasi Torpey
Author Information
  1. Gamji M'Rabiu Abubakari: Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, School of Public Health/Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA. ORCID
  2. LaRon E Nelson: Yale University School of Nursing, New Haven, CT, USA.
  3. Adedotun Ogunbajo: Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, US. ORCID
  4. Francis Boakye: Priorities on Rights and Sexual Health, Accra, Ghana.
  5. Patrick Appiah: Youth Alliance for Health & Human Rights, Kumasi, Ghana.
  6. Apondi Odhiambo: Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
  7. Ting Sa: Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
  8. Nanhua Zhang: Faculty of Health Sciences, York University, Toronto, Canada.
  9. Ironyah Ngozi: Faculty of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Prince Albert, Canada.
  10. Adjei Scott: Faculty of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Prince Albert, Canada.
  11. Geoffrey Maina: Faculty of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Prince Albert, Canada.
  12. Abubakar Manu: School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.
  13. Kwasi Torpey: University of Ghana School of Public Health, Accra, Ghana.

Abstract

This study examined the feasibility and acceptability of an evidence-based HIV prevention programme for men who have sex with men (MSM) in Ghana through a participatory approach. The programme involved 57 self-identified adult cisgender MSM and led by a community-based organisation in collaboration with local nurses. We used an explanatory mixed-method design to evaluate the programme. We computed descriptive statistics, relative frequency, and paired proportionate analysis for the survey data and subjected the focus groups data to summative content analysis. Five key themes from the qualitative data indicated strong evidence of the acceptability and efficacy of the programme among MSM. The programme contributed to building social support networks, a sense of social justice among MSM, and facilitated the development of personalised HIV prevention menus by the participants. We observed increases in HIV testing (from 4% to 17%) and increases in the relative frequency of condom use for anal, oral, and vaginal sex. The programme served as an example of a successfully implemented culturally grounded intervention that has the potential to increase HIV and STI awareness and prevention among MSM in Ghana and other highly stigmatised environments.

Keywords

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Grants

  1. P30 MH062294/NIMH NIH HHS
  2. T32 MH020031/NIMH NIH HHS

MeSH Term

Adult
Female
Ghana
HIV Infections
Homosexuality, Male
Humans
Male
Safe Sex
Sexual and Gender Minorities

Word Cloud

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