HIV risk, risk perception and uptake of HIV testing and counseling among youth men who have sex with men attending a gay sauna

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are amongst populations at-risk for HIV acquisition in Thailand. In youth MSM (aged 15–24 years), the incidence of HIV infection has substantially increased. However, data on HIV risk, risk perception and HIV testing and counseling (HTC) uptake among youth MSM in hotspots are limited.

A subanalysis of a prospective study among Thai MSM attending a gay sauna was conducted. HIV risk and risk perception were assessed by an anonymous survey. The MSM were categorized as having actual “low-risk”, “moderate-risk” and “high-risk” for HIV acquisition based on the validated study risk categorization tool. HTC was provided on-site with result notification within 1 h. HIV care establishment appointment was arranged by the counselors for HIV-infected participants. Care engagement within 1 year of diagnosis was subsequently assessed.

There were 358 MSM participants; 87 (24%) were youth MSM. Comparing to other MSM, youth MSM had significantly higher median number of lifetime sexual partners [2 (IQR 1–9) vs. 1 (IQR 0–1); P < 0.001), were more-likely to ever exchange sex for money (44% vs. 9%; P < 0.001) and have sexual partner who exchanged sex for money (8% vs. 1%; P < 0.001). Rates of consistent condom use in the past 3 months for anal, oral and vaginal sexes were low and not significantly different between youth and other MSM (51% vs. 61%, 26% vs. 35% and 72% vs. 61%, respectively). By using the study risk categorization tool, there were 68 youth MSM with moderate or high-risk for HIV acquisition, of which 43 (63%) had false perception of low HIV risk. Youth MSM were more likely than other MSM to accept HTC [68% vs. 33%, P < 0.001)] and to be first-time testers (42% vs. 28%, P = 0.07). By HTC, the rates of HIV infection tended to be higher among youth MSM comparing to other MSM [14/59 (24%) vs. 11/89 (12%); P = 0.07]. Among the 14 youth MSM newly-diagnosed with HIV infection, only 6 (43%) showed-up for continuity care after 1-year follow-up.

Youth MSM had substantial high HIV risk, false perception of low HIV risk and low rate of care engagement but demonstrated considerable rate of HTC uptake. Strategies to improve access to HTC, risk perception and linkage to care are needed for HIV prevention and management among the youth MSM.