Who mixes with whom among men who have sex with men? Implications for modelling the HIV epidemic in southern India.

ABSTRACT: In India, the identity of men who have sex with men (MSM) is closely related to the role taken in anal sex (insertive, receptive or both), but little is known about sexual mixing between identity groups. Both role segregation (taking only the insertive or receptive role) and the extent of assortative (within-group) mixing are known to affect HIV epidemic size in other settings and populations. This study explores how different possible mixing scenarios, consistent with behavioural data collected in Bangalore, south India, affect both the HIV epidemic, and the impact of a targeted intervention. Deterministic models describing HIV transmission between three MSM identity groups (mostly insertive Panthis/Bisexuals, mostly receptive Kothis/Hijras and versatile Double Deckers), were parameterise

SUBMITTER: Mitchell KM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4064301 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature