Trends in HIV Prevalence, Estimated HIV Incidence, and  Risk Behavior Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in  Bangkok, Thailand, 2003–2007.
BACKGROUND
Men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to be at high risk for HIV infection. Here we evaluate trends in HIV prevalence, estimated HIV incidence, and risk behavior among MSM in Bangkok, Thailand.


METHODS
Between 2003 and 2007, 3 biennial cross-sectional HIV prevalence assessments were conducted among MSM in Bangkok,Thailand, using venue-day-time sampling. Oral fluid was tested for HIV infection; demographic and behavioral data were self-collected using hand-held computers. Estimates of annual HIV incidence in young MSM were derived as follows: (number of HIV infections/sum of [current age–age at start of anal intercourse]) 3 100). Logistic and Poisson regression was used to evaluate trends in HIV prevalence,estimated HIV incidence, and risk behavior.


RESULTS
The overall HIV prevalence increased from 17.3% in 2003 to 28.3% in 2005 to 30.8% in 2007 (P , 0.001 for trend). The estimated HIV incidence among young MSM increased from 4.1%in 2003 to 6.4% in 2005, to 7.7% in 2007 (P , 0.02 for trend). The increase in HIV prevalence from 2005 to 2007 was not statistically significant. The proportion of men reporting anal sex and casual or steady male sex partners in the past 3 months significantly decreased,whereas the proportion reporting drug use and drug use during sex significantly increased. No increase was observed in the proportion of men reporting consistent condom use.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data suggest that after a strong increase from 2003 to 2005, the HIV prevalence among MSM in Bangkok may have begun to stabilize. Given the continuing high levels of risk behavior and the estimated high HIV incidence in young MSM,additional HIV preventive interventions are necessary.
van Griensven
Frits
F
Thailand Ministry of Public Health—US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand.  fav1@cdc.fov
Varangrat
Anchalee
A
Wimonsate
Wipas
W
Tanpradech
Suvimon
S
Kladsawad
Keratikarn
K
Chemnasiri
Tareerat
T
Suksripanich
Orapin
O
Phanuphak
Praphan
P
Mock
Philip
P
Kanggarnrua
Kamolset
K
McNicholl
Janet
J
Plipat
Tanarak
T
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016012:Poisson Distribution; D015995:Prevalence; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013785:Thailand / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult