The prestigious international scientific “Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health” published the results of a study we conducted in Sofia

The prestigious international scientific journal “Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health” published the results of a study we conducted in Sofia. This is a research project of the Center for Research on AIDS Interventions, Medical College of Wisconsin, USA. The project leader for the study is Dr. Jeffrey Kelly from the Department of Psychiatry, the project is funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Development (USA).

The results of the study show that while 74% of MSM in the general population have had an HIV test (and 56% have had multiple previous tests), only 4% of Roma MSM have ever been tested for HIV. Roma MSM have lower knowledge of HIV testing, perceive greater barriers and weaker social norms for testing, and have more negative attitudes and intentions about testing. Although all have male partners, no Roma MSM identifies as gay, and most report transactional sex. The study shows that urgent efforts are needed to increase the use of HIV tests by young Roma MSM.

The full article in English is available here: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8543493/