Havana leads in transactional relationships among men and the low use of condoms

La Habana is the province with the highest prevalence of transactional sex among men who have relationships with men (MSM) and transgender women, but it also records the lowest consistent use of condoms, which increases the exposure to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

This was revealed by a Behavioral Survey 2022-2023 released this Tuesday by the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI) on its Facebook profile.

The report highlights that transactional sex often involves multiple partners and may be motivated by money, gifts, or other benefits.

The combination of these practices with the inconsistent use of condoms multiplies the risks of infection.

According to the research, 18% of MSM in the capital reported having engaged in transactional sex in the past 12 months.

That proportion doubles and even sextuples the records of other cities included in the study: Cienfuegos, with only 2.7%, and Bayamo, with 8.6%.

If we look only at the men who engaged in casual relationships during that period, the difference is even greater: in Havana, 23.6% resorted to transactional sex, compared to 6.6% in Cienfuegos and 9.9% in Bayamo.

The document, comprising over 100 pages, warns of a high-risk pattern in the capital: the consistent use of condoms among those engaging in transactional sex remains very low.

Only 27.8% of Havana's MSM reported that they always used it, while 69.5% acknowledged using it "on occasions."

In contrast, the protection is much higher in provinces like Cienfuegos, where 90.1% stated that they always use it, or Bayamo, with 77.6%.

The survey also revealed concerning results among transgender women in Havana.

More than half (52.5%) admitted to having engaged in transactional sex in the past year, with multiple sexual partners in some cases.

However, only 41.4% stated that they always use condoms in those relationships, while 51.3% reported doing so sporadically, and 7.3% acknowledged that they had never used them.

When asked about the most recent transactional sexual relationship, condom use increases in both groups: 75.9% among men who have sex with men and 80% among trans women.

However, the overall figures indicate that consistent use is low and irregular protection prevails, placing the capital in a situation of special vulnerability to HIV and other STIs.

In Havana, researchers also identified that some respondents admitted to having engaged in sexual relations in exchange for drugs or favors, which broadens the spectrum of vulnerability.

Beyond the numbers, the study warns that the low usage of condoms is related to structural and gender barriers that limit access to health services.

Among them, discrimination against key populations, the lack of availability of condoms in pharmacies and polyclinics, and ignorance about preventive alternatives such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are mentioned.

The Biobehavioral Survey recommends speeding up access to precision combined prevention, which includes the promotion of condoms, PrEP, and timely treatment for people with HIV.

The use of condoms is essential for disease prevention, emphasized the ONEI in its publication, reminding that the capital has the highest risk levels due to the frequent practice of transactional sex and irregular protection.

However, the report does not address the current shortage of condoms in state pharmacies and the high prices they reach in the informal market.

The results of this report confirm that, although transactional sex is not a widespread phenomenon in Cuba, in areas like Havana it reaches significant proportions and poses urgent public health challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions about Condom Use and Transactional Sex in Havana