Attitudes toward, and interest in, the test-and-treat strategy for HIV prevention among Thai men who have sex with men.
This study assessed the attitudes toward, and interest in, the test-and-treat strategy, comprising regular HIV testing and immediate antiretroviral treatment (ART) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Bangkok, Thailand. A total of 363 participants completed the questionnaires before and after learning about their HIV status. Previous HIV testing reported by 69.8% and 34.7% tested at least annually. Before pretest counseling, 83.2% expressed interest in regular HIV testing and 78.8% in immediate ART. MSM who tested HIV-positive at enrollment were less likely than those who tested HIV-negative to have been tested for HIV before (45.7% vs. 60.8%, p < 0.0001). Among MSM who tested HIV-positive (n = 69, 15.9%), the median level of willingness to take ART immediately increased significantly after learning about their positive results (90 vs.100%, p < 0.0001). Interest in regular HIV testing remained high among HIV-negative MSM after becoming aware of their status (70.9% before vs. 71.9% after, p = 0.55). MSM participants have a strong desire and willingness to start ART immediately upon receiving an HIV-positive test result; it is important to provide the necessary information on the health benefits of early ART and education to the community to maintain their health and prevent HIV transmission.
a The HIV Netherlands Australia Thailand Research Collaboration (HIV-NAT) , Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre , Bangkok , Thailand.
Wirach
W
Maek-a-nantawat
Nittaya
N
Phanuphak
Nipat
N
Teeratakulpisarn
Charnwit
C
Pakam
Thaneth
T
Kanteeranon
Orathai
O
Chaiya
Thanaporn
T
Mansawat
Somsong
S
Teeratakulpisarn
Siriporn
S
Nonenoy
Jintanat
J
Ananworanich
Praphan
P
Phanuphak
D000328:Adult; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology*; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013785:Thailand; D055815:Young Adult
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents
HIV testing; MSM; attitudes; immediate antiretroviral therapy; test-and-treat strategy