The Mbili Pamoja Study completed participant enrolment in December 2025, marking a significant milestone in advancing research on sexual health and related health outcomes among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Kenya.
Since completing enrolment, the study team has made substantial progress in disseminating research findings, with six journal articles developed to date. Of these, three have been published in peer-reviewed journals, one is forthcoming, one has been submitted and is currently under review, and another is in the final stages of development.
The manuscript currently under review examines dietary patterns among men who have sex with men in Kenya, contributing to the growing evidence base on nutritional health and related vulnerabilities among this population. The manuscript in its final stages of development investigates factors associated with incident urethral and rectal Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections in a prospective cohort of men who have sex with men in Kisumu and Nairobi, Kenya. This work aims to strengthen understanding of factors associated with newly acquired sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and inform approaches to STI prevention and management among MSM.
In addition to its quantitative research activities, the Mbili Pamoja Study conducted a qualitative study exploring intervention preferences for addressing alcohol and other substance use among men who have sex with men in Kenya. Participant enrolment for this component concluded in July 2026. The team is currently conducting rapid qualitative analysis to identify key themes and generate insights into participants' experiences, needs, and preferences for interventions addressing alcohol and other substance use.
Together, these research activities demonstrate the Mbili Pamoja Study's continued commitment to generating evidence that can inform responsive, acceptable, and contextually appropriate health interventions for MSM in Kenya. Through peer-reviewed publications and ongoing qualitative research, the study seeks to contribute to improved understanding of the interconnected health needs of this population and inform future research, programming, and public health practice.
Publications
Links to the three published articles are provided below. A fourth article is forthcoming.
- Ochieng, F., Wambua, P., Kimani, J., Wanjiru, M., Agingu, W., Kabuti, R., Mdletshe, N., McKinnon, L. R., Otieno, F. O., & Mehta, S. D. (2026). Prevalence of and factors associated with urethral and rectal STIs among a cross-sectional sample of men who have sex with men. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 53(7), 435–443. https://doi.org/10.1097/OLQ.0000000000002320
- Klein, K., Otieno, F. O., Agingu, W., Wambua, P., Ochieng, F., Lee, M., McKinnon, L. R., Hou, L. & Mehta, S. D. (2026). Prevalence and behavioral factors associated with penile and rectal HPV infection among men who have sex with men in Kenya. BMC Infectious Diseases. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-026-14046-3
- Nzioka, J., Wambua, P., Otieno, F., Kimani, J., Kabuti, R., Ochieng, F., Gichuki, R., Wanjiru, M., Okumu, M., McKinnon, L., & Mehta, S. D. (2026). A cross-sectional analysis of randomized survey modality to assess impact of survey modality on demographic, behavioral, and psychosocial measures among men who have sex with men in Kenya. Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care, 25, Article 23259582261434295. https://doi.org/10.1177/23259582261434295
- Gill, M., Agingu, W., Rusie, L. K., Ochieng, F., Huibner, S., Dibondo, E., Wambua, P., Agarwal, P., McKinnon, L., Otieno, F. O., & Mehta, S. D. (Forthcoming). Prevalence of and factors associated with schistosomiasis among adult men in Western Kenya: A cross-sectional analysis.
