Trends and Sexual Behaviors affecting HIV Infection among Men who have Sex with Men in Phuket,2005-2010

Abstract

This study aimed to identify trends and sexual behaviors affecting HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM), male sex workers (MSW) and transgender (TG). The data was collected from March - June 2010 with cross sectional method by self administrated questionnaire on pocket computer. Objectives of the study were to collect demographic and behavioral data with oral fluid for HIV infection. Data was analyzed by Epi-Info and prevalence and percentage were used. The result found majority of samplers was 15-22 years old, Buddhist (85.5%), finished high school (61.8%). Prevalence among MSM had steadily risen from 2007 and dropped at year 2009 and 2010 respectively but higher than year 2005. MSW had the highest prevalence among all and TG had the second but gradually decreased for the year 2009 and 2010 but was higher than MSM. For behaviors that affected to the infection, it was found that more than half of MSM had sexual intercourse with women and had more 2-3 sexual partners which was 3.4 times more than the previous year. Condom use was increased yearly from 28 % to 66.7 % and VCT was decreased. MSW used condoms with casual partners less than year 2009 but increased from year 2005 from 32.7% to 70%. Drinking behaviors in the last 3 months had increased from 79.6 % to 97.0%. VCT uptake among MSW before participated in this study did not increase. Number of TG who had 4 or more sexual partners, increased from 16.2 % to 43.6 %.