Vu Vi-Thi-Tuong
Vu Vi-Thi-Tuong1, D.V. Dung1,2, H.N. Han1; N.T. Diep Han1. 1South Vietnam HIV Addiction Technology Transfer Center at University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam; 2University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) engaging in sex while under the influence is a well-established major risk factor for HIV, STIs and mental health issues. There is limited data on sex under the influence for MSM in Asia, including Vietnam. The most recent data from 2017 indicates that the HIV prevalence among MSM is 11.2%, nearly double that of 2019.
Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2020 with 741 MSM who experienced sex while under the influence in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Community-based organization members were trained to administer the computer-assisted version of the ASSIST, a questionnaire used to screen for the level of risk of substance use. Scores are grouped into low, moderate, and high risk, with the level of risk determining the level of intervention recommended.
Results: The median of age was 25, with 89.7% under 30 years old. Eighty-three percent had full financial autonomy. Twenty-one percent had STIs and 10.1% tested positive for HIV. With regard to sexual role, 29.7% were insertive only; 24.5% were only receptive partners; and 23% equally insertive and receptive partners. Thirty-two percent reported having group sex in the previous 3 months. There was an association between participants who had unsafe sexual activity and being under the influence in the participants over 25-year age group.
Conclusion: There is an urgent need for harm reduction and intervention efforts to reduce the negative effects of substance use and risky sexual behaviors among MSM in Vietnam.