Factors Associated with HIV Testing History and Returning for HIV Test Results Among Men Who have Sex with Men in Thailand

We evaluated factors associated with HIV testing history and returning for HIV test results among 2,049 Thai men who have sex with men. Of men, 50.3% reported prior HIV testing and 24.9% returned for HIV test results. Factors associated with prior HIV testing were male sex work, older age, employed, living away from the family, insertive anal sex role, history of drug use and having heard of effective HIV/AIDS treatment. Factors associated with returning for HIV test results were male sex work, older age, lack of a family confidant, history of sexually transmitted infections, and testing HIV negative in this study.     

Inconsistent Condom Use with Steady and Casual Partners and Associated Factors among Sexually-Active Men who Have Sex with Men in Bangkok, Thailand

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.     

Calypte AWARE HIV-1/2 OMT antibody test using oral fluid: special challenges of rapid HIV testing in the developing world

The testing and counseling of persons at risk for infection with HIV and their subsequent treatment remains the primary tool to curb worldwide transmission of the virus. Rapid HIV tests address the need in the developing world for accurate, easy-to-use tests that do not require laboratory equipment or highly trained professionals for implementation or refrigeration for storage. Calypte Biomedical has recently developed the Calypte AWARE HIV-1/2 OMT antibody test using oral fluid samples. This test has demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for specimens collected in target areas where increased testing is needed. The inexpensive dipstick format in combination with the use of an alternative fluid to blood provides an improved testing procedure for areas with limited resources.