AIDSImpact.com:: - Santa Fe, USA 2011

Abstract #36 - The use of the internet in male sexual encounters by men who have sex with men in douala, cameroon
Authors: Presenting Author: Mrs Emilie Henry - Coalition PLUS
Additional Authors: Mr Yves Yomb, Mr Lionel Fugon, Dr Bruno Spire,
Aim: While in hostile contexts data and observations from the field suggest internet is a medium wherein disclosure, communication and encounters between men who have sex with men (MSM) are made possible, few studies have examined this question in Sub-Saharan countries. The objective of our study was to define the proportion and profile of persons having recourse to internet as a means of encounter of male partners among a group of MSM living in the city of Douala, Cameroon.
Method / Issue: The study used data from both a survey on the sexual activity and practices of MSM set up in Douala in 2008 and from an online HIV outreach and prevention intervention. The survey data were collected among a convenience sample of 168 MSM during face-to-face interviews with trained interviewers.
Results / Comments: A total of 52 individuals (34%) reported having met their partners over the internet during the previous six months. In the multivariate analysis, having a university education level, not having a lucrative activity and having had a larger number of partners during the course of the previous six months were independent correlates of having met sexual partners on the internet. Qualitative data from the chats showed that the perception of risk of exposure to and infection with HIV/AIDS was not widespread in persons encountered in the internet-based prevention, especially hidden MSM who were also the most reticent about going to the association’s center when referred there.
Discussion: This community-based research is the first study on MSM in Cameroon and their internet use in male sexual encounters. Results underline the need to further investigate the use of the internet by MSM in the African contexts in order to adapt prevention strategies and interventions.
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