HIV prevalence and risky behavior among men who have sex with men in Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Abstract

        The purpose of this study is to investigate HIV prevalence and risky behaviors among men who have sex with men in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Three' hundred men were recruited using the venue-day-time sampling. The survey period was 5 May to 20 May, 20IO. Thai-nationality-men with 15 years of age and over reporting having oral and anal sex with male partners in the previous 6 months were eligible for participation.  Demographic variables, risky behaviors and knowledge of HIV transmission (UNGASS indicators) were collected using handheld computers. Rapid Oral fluid was tested for HIV infection initially, confirmed serum-HIV test was confirmed with those found positive in saliva test. Data were summarized using frequency and percentages.

        HIV prevalence was 9.7% and higher prevalence was found in older age group (aged 35 and over). More than half (54.3%) reported having sex with non-regular sexual partners in the past 3 months. The samples reported low level of consistent condom use. Only 37.7% and 50.9% reported consistent condom use while having sex with regular and non-regular partners respectively. Undoubtedly, about 14% have had sexually transmitted infections. Only 9.7% correctly answered five questions regarding HIV transmission which indicated lower level of knowledge of HIV transmission even though nearly one-third of participants (32%) have ever had their blood tests. The findings indicated higher level of substance use than general population (90.6% drank alcohol, 10.0% had ever used illicit drug).

        Although HIV prevalence in Nakhon Rachasima was lower than in Bangkok and Chiang Mai Provinces, men who have sex with men were still at high risk of HIV with inconsistency condom use. Health education and promoting safe sex among men who had sex with men should be justified and more effective during voluntary counseling test.