Prevalence of Condom Use and Its Related Factors Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Thailand

Abstract

Background: The new challenge of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention exists in men who have sex with men (MSM) and becomes the key population accounting for the vast majority of new HIV infections worldwide. Consistent condom use has been proved to be effective to prevent HIV transmission. Promoting the use of condom is needed; however, knowledge on what factors relevant to the performance of this behavior among MSM in Thailand is limited.
 Objectives: To examine the prevalence rate of condom use among MSM in Thailand, and to identify related factors of its use.
 Methods: Participants were recruited using convenience sampling with inclusion criteria. The data were collected using an online questionnaire and then analyzed using chi-square test and Spearman rank correlation.
 Results: A total of 153 data sets from participants were included in the analysis. The average age was 27.4 ± 5.8 years. The HIV positivity was 6.5%, and consistent condom use was 55.6%. The correlational analysis showed that age (P = .03), intention, attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control (P < .01) were significantly correlated with consistent condom use.
 Conclusions: The interventions proposed to promote consistent condom use among MSM should focus on increasing intention, attitude, subjective norms, and/or perceived behavioral control, especially among young MSM in Thailand.