Exploring access to HIV-related services and programmatic gaps for Men having Sex with Men (MSM) in rural India- a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Despite the Link Worker Scheme to address the HIV risk and vulnerabilities in rural areas, reaching out to unreached men having sex with men (MSM) remains a challenge in rural India. This study explored issues around health care access and programmatic gaps among MSM in rural settings of India.

Methods

We conducted eight Focused Group Discussions (FGDs), 20 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and 20 In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) in four rural sites in Maharashtra, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh between November 2018 and September 2019. The data in the local language were audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated. Data were analyzed in NVivo version 11.0 software using the grounded theory approach.

Results

Primary barriers to health care access were l

SUBMITTER: Bangar S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10159193 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature