OA19.02
Background: LGBT community in Kenya continues to be criminalized under the penal code. Research with LGBT individuals in the context of dynamic human rights and heightened criminalization requires higher scrutiny of ethical guidance and community ownership. The LGBT and research community in Kenya aimed to develop partnership for common research agenda and ethical guidelines.
Methods: A two-day participatory workshop with 24 LGBT leaders with experience with research was convened to identify current ethical challenges, solutions, HIV and Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) related research priorities in Kenya.
Results: A mismatch between researchers' priorities and community needs has led to inadequate community consultations. A complex informed consent process, misdirected motivation for participation (e.g. transport reimbursement and health care) was identified as the top ethical challenges. HIV research priorities identified by LGBT included the need to demonstrate the link between homophobia, transphobia and HIV; factors affecting adherence; impact of gender-based violence on HIV infection among LGBT. Other areas included effects of drug and substance use, investigation of causes behind the higher incidence rate among MSM sex workers compared to female sex workers practicing anal sex. They recommended mainstreaming of SOGI and human rights issues in HIV research; studying the impact of the heightened criminalization on “coming out” and on participation in research. A national representative LGBT research advisory group was formed to advise, guide and facilitate linkages between researchers and LGBT community.
Conclusions: There is need for greater involvement of LGBT community in all stages of research. Strengthening the capacity of LGBT organizations is instrumental in ensuring ethical conduct of HIV research in rights constrained settings. Sustainable partnership lies in matching researchers' agenda with community research needs and interests.
