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Recent HIV Testing Among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men in Bangkok and Chiang Mai: HIV Testing and Prevention Strategies Must Be Enhanced in Thailand

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Abstract

HIV infection among men who have sex with men, particularly in Thai urban settings and among younger cohorts, is escalating. HIV testing and counseling (HTC) are important for prevention and obtaining treatment and care. We examine data from a 2013 survey of males, 15–24 years, reporting past-year sex with a male and living in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. Almost three quarters of young MSM (YMSM) in Bangkok and only 27 % in Chiang Mai had an HIV test in the previous year. Associations for HIV testing varied between cities, although having employment increased the odds of HIV testing for both cities. In Bangkok, family knowledge of same sex attraction and talking to parents/guardians about HIV/AIDS had higher odds of HIV testing. Expanded HTC coverage is needed for YMSM in Chiang Mai. All health centers providing HTC, including those targeting MSM, need to address the specific needs of younger cohorts.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the study participants and data collectors.

Funding

This article was funded by UNICEF Thailand, UNFPA Thailand, UNESCO Thailand.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Independent consultant, UNICEF Thailand Office, Bangkok, Thailand

    Lisa G. Johnston & Mara C. Steinhaus

  2. UNESCO Asia–Pacific Regional Bureau for Education, Bangkok, Thailand

    Justine Sass

  3. Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Bangkok, Thailand

    Petchsri Sirinirund

  4. School of Global Studies, Thammasat University, Rangsit, Thailand

    Catherine Lee

  5. Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, Bangkok, Thailand

    Patchara Benjarattanaporn

  6. UNICEF Thailand Office, Bangkok, Thailand

    Robert Gass

  7. 64F Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, 1012 SC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Lisa G. Johnston

Authors
  1. Lisa G. Johnston
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  2. Mara C. Steinhaus
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  4. Petchsri Sirinirund
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Correspondence to Lisa G. Johnston.

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Johnston, L.G., Steinhaus, M.C., Sass, J. et al. Recent HIV Testing Among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men in Bangkok and Chiang Mai: HIV Testing and Prevention Strategies Must Be Enhanced in Thailand. AIDS Behav 20, 2023–2032 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-016-1336-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-016-1336-7

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