HIV knowledge and risks among Vietnamese men who have sex with men travelling abroad. (August 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nguyen, Huyen; Nguyen, Hoang Quan; Colby, Donn Joseph
• Is Part Of: International journal of STD & AIDS. Volume 25:Number 9(2014:Sep.)
• Page Start: 643
• Page End: 649
• Publication Date: 2014-08
• Subjects: HIV -- AIDS -- sexually transmitted infection -- homosexual -- men who have sex with men -- MSM -- sexual behaviour -- travel -- Asia; Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; AIDS (Disease) -- Periodicals; 616.951
• DOI: 10.1177/0956462413516098
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0956-4624

Abstract

Rapid economic and social development in Vietnam has resulted in increased opportunities for travel and new potential routes of HIV transmission. We conducted a cross-sectional study examining demographics, knowledge, and sexual risk behaviour amongst 100 Vietnamese men who have sex with men who traveled abroad in the previous 12 months. Men who have sex with men surveyed were mostly university-educated, single, and under 30. Most travel (73%) was within Southeast Asia and was undertaken for tourism (51%) or for work (29%). Casual sex with a foreign partner occurred on 39% of trips. Only four were reported to have involved in unsafe sex with a casual partner. Four reported illicit drug use. Alcohol was widely consumed. Multivariate analysis showed that two variables, travelling alone (OR = 5.26, p < 0.001) and a university education (OR = 4.05, p = 0.004), were significantly associated with casual sex abroad. More HIV prevention education on the risks of sex while travelling abroad is needed for men who have sex with men in Vietnam.