Table 1 Discussion topics, questions, and sample prompts from focus groups

Community norms, attitudes, and experiences of life

How would you describe the community where you live?

• What has it been like for you as a man who has sex with men?

• What have been your most meaningful experiences in this community?

Tell us about any times that you felt guilty or ashamed for having sex with other men?

• Where do you think these negative feelings come from?

• How do these feeling affect your life?

• What do you do to feel better about yourself and your sexuality?

Experiences seeking/obtaining healthcare

Who do you go see when you have a sexual health issue?

• What do you like about the provider that you visit?

• What don’t you like about the experience?

• Do you feel like you have a say in what happens to you there?

Do you think that your health care provider cares about what happens to you?

• Why do you think so?

• Why don’t you think so?

When you leave the health care office, how capable do you feel to follow the provider’s instructions?

• Do you want to do what they advise? Why? Why not?

• What keeps you from following through with the treatment plan?

Experiences of stigma in health care facilities

When you go for a health visit, what happens once the staff find out that you are MSM?

• Do you experience welcoming and positive reactions?

• Have you experienced negative reactions?

Tell us about a time that you decided not to go to a health care facility because you were worried that you would be treated badly for being MSM?