Inconsistent condom use with steady and casual partners and associated factors among sexually-active men who have sex with men in Bangkok, Thailand

Abstract

HIV/STD risk behavior has not been examined in community samples of men who have sex with men (MSM) in Thailand. The sexually-active sample (n=927) was recruited from bars, saunas, and parks; 20% identified as bisexual and 17% tested HIV-positive. Inconsistent (<100%) condom use was reported by 45% of those with steady partners and 21% of those with casual partners in the prior three months. 21% had heard of effective HIV treatments (n=194), among whom 44% believed HIV was less serious and 36% said their risk behavior had increased after hearing about the treatments. In multivariate analysis, HIV-positive status, gay-identification, getting most HIV information from the radio, believing HIV can be transmitted by mosquito bite, and concern about acquiring an STD were associated with inconsistent condom use during anal sex; slightly older age (25-29 vs. 18-24 years) was associated with more consistent condom use. HIV/STD risk-reduction strategies for MSM in Bangkok should clearly state sexual risk to individuals in this population.