J Med Assoc Thai 2014; 97 (2):207

Views: 1,463 | Downloads: 39 | Responses: 0

PDF XML Respond to this article Print Alert & updates Request permissions Email to a friend


Prevalence of HIV Testing and Associated Factors among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) in Bangkok, Thailand
Vutthikraivit P Mail, Lertnimitr B , Chalardsakul P , Imjaijitt W , Piyaraj P

Background: Without the safety and effective vaccine for HIV, the HIV voluntary counseling testing (VCT) has been documented as a central component of comprehensive HIV prevention strategies targeting individual risk reduction by modified high risk behaviors. However, the coverage of HIV testing among men who have sex with men (MSM) is suboptimal. Moreover, the information regarding to factors associated with HIV testing among young Thai MSM are limited and not well understood.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with HIV testing among young MSM in
Bangkok, Thailand.
Material and Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Bangkok. Descriptive statistics were presented with crudeand adjusted-odds ratios with 95% confidence interval and the logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with prior HIV testing.
Results: Fifty-six participants were enrolled into study and 51.8% of men previously had an HIV test. After adjusting for potential confounders, logistic regression revealed that older age was positively associated with HIV testing (AOR = 14.4, 95% CI 1.88-111.22) while perceived at low risk for HIV infection was inversely association with HIV testing (AOR = 0.1, 95% CI 0.02-0.94).
Conclusion: Young MSM in Thailand are at risk for HIV infection and uptake of HIV testing is suboptimal. Understanding the motivators and barriers to HIV testing are essential to planning and improving the effective HIV prevention interventionsrelevance to HIV-serostatus.

Keywords: VCT, HIV testing, Young MSM, Thailand


Download: PDF