Situations that increase vulnerability to Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection

Abstract

Introduction: the behavior of the HIV epidemic in Cuba, from its beginning to the present, affects people and groups whose practices and sexual identities are discriminated against. Objective: describe situations that increase vulnerability to HIV infection in men who have sex with men and transgender women. Method: A descriptive study was carried in MSM and transgender women who attended sexual encounters space in eight of the 45 municipalities most affected by the HIV epidemic in Cuba between October 2013 and February 2017. The variables studied were: occupation, sexual behavior, decision making, social valuate, gender roles, discrimination and violence. In order to measure the magnitude of the difference, the indicator "percentage of difference" was used. Results: 28.9% of participants reported that household chores were usually performed by the "passive" man; instead, the "active" make the decisions in the couple. The active man makes the decisions in the couple (24.0% vs. 6.3%), they turn out to be more valued by society (23.1% vs. 8.2%) and they are generally placed in the role of economic providers (17.1% vs. 8.8%). 64.9% perceived to have been excluded or discriminated against because of sexual orientation or gender identity and 32.0% discriminated in health institutions. 44.8% reported being victims of economic violence, followed by sexuality (44.3%). Physical violence was referred by 32.2%. Conclusions: The inequalities and discriminations perceived by the subjects studied support the diversity of realities and the specific challenges faced by these people, which can make them vulnerable to the acquisition of HIV.