title: 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.
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.
authors.affiliation: Independent consultant, UNICEF Thailand Office, Bangkok, Thailand. lsjohnston.global@gmail.com.|, 64F Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, 1012 SC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. lsjohnston.global@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Lisa G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Johnston
authors.affiliation: Independent consultant, UNICEF Thailand Office, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors.forename: Mara C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Steinhaus
authors.affiliation: UNESCO Asia-Pacific Regional Bureau for Education, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors.forename: Justine
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sass
authors.affiliation: Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors.forename: Petchsri
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sirinirund
authors.affiliation: School of Global Studies, Thammasat University, Rangsit, Thailand.
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors.forename: Patchara
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Benjarattanaporn
authors.affiliation: UNICEF Thailand Office, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gass
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D002947:Cities; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000208:ethnology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012309:Risk-Taking; D013785:Thailand / Q000453:epidemiology; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Adolescent; HIV testing; Men who have sex with men; Respondent-driven sampling; Sexual risk; Thailand; Youth