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Understanding the Social Influences on Engaging Key Populations With HIV Prevention: A Qualitative Study With Men Who Have Sex With Men in Three Indonesian Cities.

Lazuardi E, Newman CE, Tasya IA, Rowe E, Wirawan DN, Wisaksana R, Subronto YW, Kaldor J, Kusmayanti NA, Iskandar S, Bell S

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  • Journal AIDS education and prevention : official publication of the International Society for AIDS Education

  • Published 30 Dec 2019

  • Volume 31

  • ISSUE 3

  • Pagination 206-223

  • DOI 10.1521/aeap.2019.31.3.206

Abstract

The globally recognized test and treat approach underpins Indonesian national strategies to reduce and prevent HIV among key populations, including men who have sex with men. More comprehensive understanding of how engagement with HIV prevention is shaped by social and community practices will support these efforts. Between 2015 and 2016, focus groups and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 54 men who have sex with men in three urban settings in Indonesia to elicit their views on, and experiences of, HIV prevention and care. Focused on data relating to testing, findings documented the important influence of informal peer networks, community-based organizations and outreach workers. Some social dimensions of service access complicated this, particularly fear of stigma or lack of confidentiality in large service settings. The many differences between men challenges assumptions that a single set of HIV prevention strategies will work to engage all men who have sex with men living in Indonesia.