Knowledge of and Interest in Using Preexposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Thailand

Abstract

Little is known about HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) acceptability among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Thailand. The authors recruited an online convenience sample of Thai MSM (n = 404) to assess the knowledge of and interest in PrEP. Less than 7% had heard of PrEP; however, 35% indicated interest in PrEP after an explanation of its possible efficacy. Regression modeling demonstrated that HIV knowledge and risk behavior, but not demographics, are significant predictors of PrEP interest. More information and education about PrEP is necessary and more research is needed to examine PrEP acceptability and to inform the message for PrEP uptake.

Towards preparedness for PrEP: PrEP awareness and acceptability among MSM at high risk of HIV transmission who use sociosexual media in four Celtic nations: Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and The Republic of Ireland: an online survey

“…Although substantial variation within countries has been observed (eg, Thailand 66%,18 7%10; China 11%,19 22%20) the almost twofold difference between RoI and NI suggests investigation of local health promotion initiatives into new HIV prevention technologies is warranted. Across the literature, multiple variables are associated with PrEP awareness among western MSM, including increased age,12 21 higher education17 21 and recent HIV/STI testing12 17 although no consistent patterns have emerged.…”

Challenges and potential barriers to the uptake of antiretroviral-based prevention in Asia and the Pacific region

“…Significant overlapping transmission risks exist between these populations and PrEP and TasP may be a promising addition to the existing prevention interventions. Increasing awareness about benefits of TasP and PrEP in the community 109,110 and among health care workers 111 are of critical importance. Monitoring such programs will be complex.…”

Recruiting a US National Sample of HIV-Negative Gay and Bisexual Men to Complete at-Home Self-Administered HIV/STI Testing and Surveys: Challenges and Opportunities

“…This includes using the Internet to identify and enroll participants for facilitated assessments (Bauermeister, Carballo-Dieguez, Ventuneac, & Dolezal, 2009; Carballo-Diéguez et al, 2011; Grov, Agyemang, Ventuneac, & Breslow, 2013; Grov, Rendina, & Parsons, 2014; Hernandez-Romieu et al., 2014; Hightow-Weidman et al, 2015; Hirshfield, Remien, Humberstone, Walavalkar, & Chiasson, 2004; Lelutiu-Weinberger et al, 2014; Mitchell & Petroll, 2013; Pachankis, Rendina, Ventuneac, Grov, & Parsons, 2014; Parsons, Vial, Starks, & Golub, 2013; Vial, Starks, & Parsons, 2014, 2015), identify and enroll participants for facilitated interventions (Adam et al, 2011; Khosropour, Johnson, Ricca, & Sullivan, 2013; Martinez et al, 2014; Parsons et al., 2013; Whiteley et al, 2012), conducting fully online studies (i.e. assessments and recruitment) (Adam et al, 2011; Bull, Lloyd, Rietmeijer, & McFarlane, 2004; Carpenter, Stoner, Mikko, Dhanak, & Parsons, 2009; Chiasson et al, 2005; Chiasson, Shuchat Shaw, Humberstone, Hirshfield, & Hartel, 2009; Christensen et al, 2013; Coleman et al, 2010; Gass, Hoff, Stephenson, & Sullivan, 2012; Greacen et al, 2013; Grov, Rendina, Breslow, et al, 2014; Grov, Rendina, Ventuneac, & Parsons, 2013; Grov, Rodriguez-Diaz, Ditmore, Restar, & Parsons, 2014; Hirshfield et al, 2010; Hirshfield, Grov, Parsons, Anderson, & Chiasson, 2015; Hirshfield et al, 2008; Holloway, Rice, et al, 2014; Jain & Ross, 2008; Marcus, Hickson, Weatherburn, & Schmidt, 2013; Matthews, Stephenson, & Sullivan, 2012; Mitchell & Petroll, 2012; Mustanski, Greene, Ryan, & Whitton, 2015; Mustanski, Rendina, Greene, Sullivan, & Parsons, 2014; Navejas, Neaigus, Torian, & Murrill, 2012; Oldenburg et al, 2015; Reece et al, 2010; Rendina, Breslow, et al, 2014; Rendina, Jimenez, Grov, Ventuneac, & Parsons, 2014; Rosenberg, Rothenberg, Kleinbaum, Stephenson, & Sullivan, 2013; Rosenmann & Safir, 2007; Rosser et al, 2009; Rosser et al, 2010; Sharma, Sullivan, & Khosropour, 2011; Siegler, Sullivan, Khosropour, & Rosenberg, 2013; Sineath et al, 2013; …”

“…Others have enrolled diverse samples across the U.S. identified, either entirely or at least in part, via partnerships with gay sexual networking (i.e., hook up) websites and mobile device applications (apps) (Bull et al, 2004; Burrell et al, 2012; Carpenter et al, 2009; Chiasson et al, 2009; Delaney, Kramer, Waller, Flanders, & Sullivan, 2014; Grov, Rendina, Breslow, et al, 2014; Grov, Rendina, et al, 2013; Grov, Rodriguez-Diaz, et al, 2014; Hirshfield et al, 2010; Khosropour et al, 2013; Lelutiu-Weinberger et al, 2014; Oldenburg et al, 2015; Rendina, Breslow, et al, 2014; Rosenberg et al, 2013; Siegler et al, 2013; Sineath et al, 2013). In so doing, researchers have advertised on websites (via banner or pop-up ads), or partnered with website owners such that websites directly contacted their membership inviting them to participate in a study.…”