การป้องกันโรคติดต่อทางเพศสัมพันธ์ในกลุ่มชายรักชาย: องค์ความรู้  และบทบาทของนักส่งเสริมสุขภาพและสุขศึกษา

Jirawat Timasa; Chatchawan Jongkham; Sutthinan Meechumnan; Nannapat Ketkosan; Theerapon Phungdee; Nutthakritta Sirisopon; Chakkrit Ponrachom

Authors

Jirawat Timasa Faculty of Education, Kasetsart University
Chatchawan Jongkham Faculty of Education, Kasetsart University
Sutthinan Meechumnan Faculty of Education, Kasetsart University
Nannapat Ketkosan Faculty of Education, Kasetsart University
Theerapon Phungdee Faculty of Education, Kasetsart University
Nutthakritta Sirisopon Faculty of Education, Kasetsart Universit
Chakkrit Ponrachom Faculty of Education, Kasetsart University

Keywords:

sexually transmitted infection preventive behaviors, health promotion, men who have sex with men

Abstract

Introduction: The incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Thailand continues to rise, resulting in significant social and economic consequences.

objectives: To review and synthesize current evidence and knowledge regarding STIs-preventive behaviors among MSM, including causal factors, strategies to enhance preventive practices, challenges faced by health promotion and health education practitioners.

Key issues: Preventive behaviors among MSM include consistent condom use, avoiding substance and alcohol use before or during sexual activities, and refraining from sexual encounters with unfamiliar partners. The causal factors were categorized into three domains, Predisposing factors, including attitudes, self-efficacy, and knowledge regarding STIs. Reinforcing factors, comprising reference group influence and social support. Enabling factors, healthcare service provision for MSM. Effective promotion of preventive behaviors requires multifaceted approaches that address causal factors and provide MSM-friendly health services. Guided by The Eight Areas of Responsibility for Health Education Specialists, Health promotion and health education practitioners are responsible for designing strategies and implementing comprehensive interventions to promote STIS preventive behaviors among MSM.

Conclusions: Enhancing STIs-preventive behaviors among MSM requires an approach grounded in underlying behavioral determinants. Accordingly, STIs preventive behaviors strategies should be tailored to these determinants and implemented alongside targeted and inclusive health services.

Implications: Health promotion and health education practitioners can leverage this knowledge to develop a proactive multi-level intervention framework. Furthermore, health services should advocate for the delivery of targeted, inclusive, easily accessible and stigma-free healthcare services. Ultimately, this comprehensive approach aims to reduce STIs incidence and sustainably enhance the long-term sexual well-being of the MSM population.

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