Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of this study aimed to assess factors associated with the intention to take pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among Thai young men who have sex with men (YMSM) and transgender women (TGW) in Bangkok.Design/methodology/approachThe study surveyed 350 sexually active Thai YMSM and TGW aged between 18 and 24 years registered with a nongovernmental organization (NGO) working with the MSM community. Data were collected using snowball sampling from four venues. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated with the intention to take PrEP daily.FindingsThe results showed that of all those surveyed, n = 310 (88%) participated. The median age was 21 years. In all, 18% of participants had heard about PrEP, and 36% correctly identified that PrEP is used for prevention. After receiving information, 31% intended to take daily PrEP and the Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) rate was 35.5%. Factors significantly associated with intention to take daily PrEP were history of HIV testing (adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 2.3, 95% CI, 1.3–4.1), and high perceived behavioral control of PrEP adherence scores (AOR 3.0, 95% CI, 1.8–5.2).Originality/valueThis study showed that intention to take and knowledge of daily PrEP among YMSM and TGW was low. Promoting health education to YMSM and TGW about PrEP and MSM-friendly VCT services are needed to effectively implement PrEP in HIV prevention programs.
Highlights
The World Health Organization (WHO) with cooperation from the international community has implemented measures to prevent HIV transmission including treatment services for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) and new HIV infections over the past 30 years
This study aimed to investigate factors associated with the intention to use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV among young men who have sex with men (YMSM) and transgender women (TGW) in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area
The study found that YMSM and TGW having a history of HIV testing had a 2.3 times higher chance of developing their intention to take PrEP daily compared with those who never took the test
Summary
The World Health Organization (WHO) with cooperation from the international community has implemented measures to prevent HIV transmission including treatment services for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) and new HIV infections over the past 30 years. These efforts have resulted in reducing the percentage of HIV infection in several regions worldwide [1, 2]. The factors contributing to these behaviors included in consistent condom use when having sex, having multiple sexual partners at a time and frequently having casual sex These factors may increase the risk of transmitting HIV.
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