The Prevalence of High-risk Behaviors and the Associated Infections among MSM in Benue State, Nigeria

Objective: High-risk behaviors among MSM have continually made this group susceptible to HIV and other STIs. Therefore, the study seeks to assess the prevalence of high-risk behaviors among MSM in Nigeria. Methodology: This quantitative descriptive cross-sectional survey examined the high-risk behaviors among MSM. The study was conducted in the state's three local government areas using a multistage cluster sampling technique. Data collection was done using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire, and analysis was performed with IBM-SPSS version 25.0. Result: A significant number, 91.2% (114) of MSM in Benue State, had anal sex but mostly without protection, 75.2% (94). However, 108 (94.7%) used lubricants during anal sex, particularly those with multiple sexual partners (79, 63.2%). Also, 66 (52.8%) used/inject drugs. Sexual health was also challenging as 110 (88.0%) had been diagnosed with STIs. Most participants with STIs (118, 94.3%) said their sexual partner infected them. A substantial proportion, 16 (76.2%) of MSM aged 18-20 years, were using or injecting drugs, likewise those aged 21-25 years (14, 63.6%) (p<0.05). Furthermore, 22 (75.9%) of the unemployed and 17 (58.6%) employed were using or injecting drugs. About 60% (42) of homosexuals use or inject drugs. Conclusion: The findings in this study revealed that condomless intercourse, drug injection, multiple sexual partners, and poor lubricant use are significant determinants of high-risk behaviors among MSM. The study also showed that MSM is exposed to HIV and other STIs due to these behaviors, making them even more susceptible given the sex they primarily practice.