Date of Award

12-2022

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Advanced Practice Nurs​ing (MSc-APN)​

First Advisor

Dr Maureen Akolo

Second Advisor

Dr Eunice Ndirangu

Department

School of Nursing and Midwifery, East Africa

Abstract

Men who have sex with other men (MSM) exist in Africa, as they do elsewhere. The continued proscription of MSM behavior leads to exclusion and discrimination. According to a global report, MSMs are responsible for most HIV transmission. MSMs in Kenya constantly fear being hurt because of their sexual orientation, and there is scant knowledge of their health-seeking behavior. There is a need to improve the health of this group to lower disease spread to achieve global HIV reduction. This study aims to explore MSM healthcare-seeking behavior, describe barriers to healthcare-seeking, and establish perceptions of the sexual risks associated with male same-sex activities. The study was conducted in the Starehe sub-county, within Nairobi City County, for four months. A mixed method with a convergent parallel design was utilized. Purposive sampling was employed to select participants for qualitative data collection, while systematic sampling was used for quantitative data collection. Ethical approval and informed consent were acquired. Participant confidentiality was upheld throughout the research process. Results show that poor health-seeking behavior arises from lacking ministry of health strategies to plan and supervise service delivery to critical populations. Only non-governmental organizations have systems to address this plight. Stigma, lack of sex education, and unavailability of health interventions targeting this group limit their access to health. Government should develop strategies and policies to provide health to MSM populations. A study on expanding services to MSMs and other marginalized or hard-to-reach groups should be considered. This report will be disseminated to MSMs community advisory boards and policymakers.

First Page

1

Last Page

118

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