Abstract:
Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of motivational interviewing (MI)
in reducing sexual risk behaviors. However, limited information is available on the acceptability
of brief MI among men who have sex with men (MSM) in poor resource settings like sub-Saharan
Africa. The objective of this study was to assess the views of MSM about the benefits and utility of
brief MI (bMI) in changing their risky behavior. A qualitative study among men who have sex with
men (MSM) who were enrolled in a longitudinal observational study between December 2021 and
May 2023. The setting was in Tshwane North and participants were scheduled for baseline, 6-month,
and 12-month visits. All participants received 20 min one-on-one face-to-face brief motivational
interview (bMI) sessions during their follow-up visits. At month 12, an exit interview was conducted
with consenting conveniently sampled participants (n = 23) who had completed all scheduled visits
and received three bMI sessions. The findings indicated that the most recalled conversation was
related to multiple sexual partners, having sex under the influence of alcohol, and MSM learned more
about sexually transmitted diseases. Many expressed being comfortable with the sessions because
the counselor was respectful and non-judgmental. Most found the bMI sessions to have a positive
impact on changing and reducing risky sexual behaviors, particularly it reportedly increased their
use of condoms and reduced the number of multiple partners. MSM found the bMI to be useful and
acceptable in reducing sexual risk behaviors among MSM.
