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Inconsistent condom use with steady and casual partners and associated factors among sexually-active men who have sex with men in Bangkok, Thailand.

Mansergh G, Naorat S, Jommaroeng R, Jenkins RA, Stall R, Jeeyapant S, Phanuphak P, Tappero JW, van Griensven F

Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Mailstop E-37, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. gcm2@cdc.gov

HIV/STD risk behavior has not been examined in community samples of men who have sex with men (MSM) in Thailand. The sexually-active sample (n=927) was recruited from bars, saunas, and parks; 20% identified as bisexual and 17% tested HIV-positive. Inconsistent (<100%) condom use was reported by 45% of those with steady partners and 21% of those with casual partners in the prior three months. 21% had heard of effective HIV treatments (n=194), among whom 44% believed HIV was less serious and 36% said their risk behavior had increased after hearing about the treatments. In multivariate analysis, HIV-positive status, gay-identification, getting most HIV information from the radio, believing HIV can be transmitted by mosquito bite, and concern about acquiring an STD were associated with inconsistent condom use during anal sex; slightly older age (25-29 vs. 18-24 years) was associated with more consistent condom use. HIV/STD risk-reduction strategies for MSM in Bangkok should clearly state sexual risk to individuals in this population.

Published 23 October 2006 in AIDS Behav, 10(6): 743-51.
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