Introduction:
Studies have shown high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men (MSM) globally. Other studies have shown that barriers to accessing the HIV/STI services from the health facilities are among the factors that contribute to the increased prevalence among MSM. This study was aimed at determining the proportion of MSM who accessed health care and disclosed their sexual orientations to health workers (HWs) and anticipated barriers if they disclosed their sexual orientation.

Material and methods:
A cross sectional study with both quantitative and qualitative methods was conducted from April to June 2015 in four districts of Tanga, Tanzania. Two hundred and sixty-six MSM were enrolled in the study using the respondent-driven sampling method. Quantitative data were collected using a structured administered interview and entered in SPSS 23.0 for analysis while qualitative data were collected using in-depth interview and focus group discussion, analyzed and interpreted.

Results:
The mean age of the participants was 27.2 (SD ± 6.7) years, 48% were married or cohabiting. 68.8% of MSM had not accessed HIV/STI services until they were sick. 13.4% never attended the health facilities for treatments even if they were sick due to fear of stigma and discrimination. 67.8% had ever disclosed their sexual orientation to HWs.

Conclusions:
MSM need to be empowered to overcome their perceived fears towards health care workers. Efforts should be put into breaking the cycle of negative information and perceptions of MSM from HWs and the community.