City Research Online

Abstract

Objective: To compare the experiences of ethnic minority and white British men who have sex with men (MSM) who attend National Health Service (NHS) sexual health clinics in Britain.

Methods: In 2007-2008 a national sample of MSM living in Britain was recruited through websites, in sexual health clinics, bars, clubs and other venues. Men completed an online survey which included questions about their experience of attending an NHS sexual health clinic.

Results: Analysis is restricted to 363 ethnic minority MSM and 4776 white British MSM who had attended an NHS sexual health clinic in the 12 months before the survey. Compared with white British men, men from an Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi background were more likely to be very anxious about attending the clinic (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.63, 4.07), express concerns about being overheard at reception (aOR 1.68, 95% CI 1.10, 2.58), be uncomfortable in the waiting area (aOR 2.04, 95% CI 1.32, 3.15), or be afraid that people in their community would find out that they have sex with men (aOR 7.70, 95% CI 4.49,13.22). The adjusted odds ratios for being afraid that people in their community would find out that they have sex with men were also elevated for black Caribbean, black African, Chinese and other Asian men.

Conclusion: Sexual health clinics should be aware that some ethnic minority MSM, particularly those from an Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi background, have heightened concerns about clinic attendance and confidentiality compared with white British MSM.

Publication Type:	Article
Publisher Keywords:	Men who have sex with men, ethnic minority, NHS, sexual health clinics, Britain
Subjects:	R Medicine > RC Internal medicine
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Healthcare Services Research & Management
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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