Background HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender (TG) persons is high and increasing in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. Objectives To describe demographic, socioeconomic, sexual behavior and interest in future HIV prevention trials among gay and bisexual MSM and TG presenting for HIV testing (VCT) and pre-screening for the iPrEx pre-exposure chemoprophylaxis trail. Methods In 2008–09, MSM/TG participants attending VCT were interviewed and tested for HIV and STI. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were done to assess associations with HIV infection. Results A total of 551 MSM clients (56.1% gay, 25.4% TG, and 18.5% bisexual (BS)) were enrolled. The mean age was 23.9 years. HIV prevalence among MSM overall was 12.9% (71/551); 16.5% among gay men, 9.3% among TG, and 6.9% among BS. Consistent use of condom was low, 33.3% in insertive anal sex and 31.9% in receptive anal sex. Interest in participation was high, 86.3% for PrEP, 69.7% for HIV vaccine trials, but 29.9% for circumcision. HIV was independently associated with being gay identified, aOR 2.8, p = 0.037 and with being aged 25–29, aOR 2.7, p = 0.027. Among repeat testers, HIV incidence was 8.2/100 PY, 95% CI, 3.7/100PY to 18.3/100PY. Conclusion HIV risks and rates varied by self-reported sexual orientation and gender identity. HIV was associated with sexual practices, age, and being gay-identified. These are populations are in need of novel prevention strategies and willing to participate in prevention research.
References
[1]
van Griensven F, Varangrat A, Wimonsate W, Tanpradech S, Kladsawad K, et al. (2009) Trends in HIV Prevalence, Estimated HIV Incidence, and Risk Behavior Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Bangkok, Thailand, 2003–2007. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr.
[2]
Beyrer C, Baral S, Walker D, Wirtz A, Johns B, et al. (2010) The Expanding Epidemics of HIV Type 1 Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Diversity and Consistency. Epidemiol Rev.
[3]
Chemnasiri T, Netwong T, Visarutratana S, Varangrat A, Li A, et al. (2010) Inconsistent condom use among young men who have sex with men, male sex workers, and transgenders in Thailand. AIDS Educ Prev 22: 100–109.
[4]
Guadamuz T, Wimonsate W, Varangrat A, Phanuphak P, Jommaroeng R, et al. (2010) HIV Prevalence, Risk Behavior, Hormone Use, and Surgical History Among Transgender Persons in Thailand. AIDS Behav.
[5]
Grant R, Lama J, Anderson P, McMahan V, Liu A, et al. (2010) Preexposure Chemoprophylaxis for HIV Prevention in Men Who Have Sex with Men. NEJM 363: 2587–2599.
[6]
Newman P, Roungprakhon S, Tepjan S, Yim S (2010) Preventive HIV vaccine acceptability and behavioral risk compensation among hig-risk men who have sex with men and transgenders in Thailand. Vaccine 28: 958–964.
[7]
Grant R, Lama J, Anderson P (2010) Preexposure Chemoprophylaxis for HIV Prevention in Men Who Have Sex with Men. NEJM.
[8]
Beyrer C, Sripaipan T, Tovanabutra S, Jittiwutikarn J, Suriyanon V, et al. (2005) High HIV, hepatitis C and sexual risks among drug-using men who have sex with men in northern Thailand. AIDS 19: 1535–1540.
[9]
van Griensven F, Thanprasertsuk S, Jommaroeng R, Mansergh G, Naorat S, et al. (2005) Evidence of a previously undocumented epidemic of HIV infection among men who have sex with men in Bangkok, Thailand. AIDS (London, England) 19: 521–526.
[10]
Beyrer C, Eiumtrakul S, Celentano D, Ruckhpaophunt S, Nelson K, et al. (1995) Same sex Behavior, sexually transmitted diseases, and HIV risks among young northern Thai men. AIDS 9: 171–176.
