They call us goor-jigeen: a qualitative exploration of the experiences of Senegalese Muslim men who have sex with men living with HIV

Abstract

Men who have sex with men living with HIV in majority Muslim communities face discrimination based on multiple forms of stigma at socio-cultural and legislative levels. This study aimed to explore qualitatively the experiences of men who have sex with men living with HIV in Dakar, Senegal. In-depth individual interviews were conducted with 30 Senegalese men aged 18 to 55 years, who self-reported as same-sex practising, Muslim, and receiving HIV treatment at health centres in Dakar. Interview data were analysed using an ethnographic phenomenological approach to explore their life experiences. Primary themes included: the self-discovery process; the social, religious and health ramifications of being same-sex practising; and stigma. Within the theme of stigma issues described included shame, blame (of self and others), and violence resulting from being a man who has sex with other men and/or being HIV seropositive. Those with undetectable viral load reported how HIV related stigma and burden diminished as their health improved. Disclosure of being men who have sex with men and/or HIV status, whether voluntary or not, affected experiences of violence and/or isolation. Addressing stigma at healthcare institutions and improving access to HIV treatment can help mitigate the burden of stigma affecting such men. Interventions to address their physical and psychosocial wellbeing require the engagement of multiple stakeholders, including religious and political leaders.

Keywords:

• living with HIV
• men who have sex with men
• religion
• stigma
• African sexuality

Acknowledgements

We acknowledge the important contribution of Diadji Diouf and Juliette Tavares Sow during the planning and recruitment phases of this study. We also express our sincere gratitude to the men who provided us with a glimpse into their lives.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This study was part of a larger research project funded by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), Fogarty International Centre (Grant # R21 TW011274).