THE UNSAFE SEXUAL BEHAVIOR AND SOME ASSOCIATED FACTORS WITH HIV PRE - EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS UPTAKE AMONG MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN IN CAN THO CITY IN 2020

Nguyen Phuong Quang Huynh 1,, Nguyen Phuong Thao Huynh 2
1 Can Tho Health Department
2 Can Tho Gynecology and Obstetrics Hospital

Main Article Content

Abstract

Background: The rapidly increasing HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) is becoming a major public health challenge and ARV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective intervention. Objectives: To identify the prevalence of unsafe sexual behavior practices, the willingness rate to use PrEP, and find out some associated factors among MSM at Can Tho city in 2020. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study with 325 participants aged ≥18 years from MSM sites in Can Tho city in 2020. Results: The prevalence of unsafe sexual behavior practices among MSM in Can Tho city, in 2020 was 48.3%. Factors associated with unsafe sex practices included: People living with (p=0.024), monthly income (p=0.006), number of partners who have sex infrequently (p=0.039), HIV testing frequency (p=0.003), HIV testing facilities (0.018) and HIV risk (p=0.014). The percentage of MSM subjects who agreed to use PrEP was 81.5%. Associated factors identified by multivariate analysis included HIV testing frequency every 3 months (p=0.026), and willingness to share PrEP with other MSMs (p=0.001). Conclusion: The percentage of MSM having unsafe sex behavior was 48.3% and the willingness rate of accepting PrEP was 81.5%. Unsafe sex behavior intervention campaigns should take into account people living with, income, number of sexual partners, HIV testing, and perception of the risk of HIV infection in the MSM group; and it is necessary to promote communication through counseling and testing to improve the using rate of PrEP.

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References

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