Analysis of the epidemiological profile of men who have sex with men as blood donors

Abstract

Introduction: In May 2020, the Brazilian Supreme Court ruled that men who have sex with men (MSM) should be eligible to donate blood. Objectives: This study aims to describe the epidemiological, sociodemographic, and serological profile of MSM donors in the haemotherapy centre of a university hospital. Methodology and Resources: A cross-sectional study was conducted between June 2020 and June 2023. The study was approved by the Ethics Review Board of the Pedro Ernesto University Hospital. Results: There was a predominance of young people, single, and with higher education (complete or incomplete). Regarding gender specification, 46 (92%) identified as cis. In the sample, 64% (32) of candidates had taken at least one rapid test in the 12-month period. Most of the individuals analysed were donor eligible (90%), non-reactive for the serology of interest in the research (91.3%). Discussion: Among MSM donors, the prevalence of homosexual orientation and the regular use of condoms were observed. Even with the prior restriction of Resolution No. 399/2020, a proportion of these candidates donated blood. The reactivity for syphilis (6%) among the volunteers is below expectations, while for hepatitis B (2%) it is above the target, considering that the indicator presented by the state blood bank network, and there was no HIV reactivity. Conclusions: The importance of using risky sexual behaviour, rather than sexual orientation, as a criterion for donor eligibility was observed. This change allowed for the possibility of including minorities in the blood donation process.