Publication: Assessment of U=U understanding, PrEP awareness, HIV risk behaviours and factors associated with low HIV knowledge among users of Hornet, an online dating application for LGBTQ, in Thailand
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Issued Date
2023
Resource Type
File Type
application/pdf
Rights Holder(s)
Scopus
Bibliographic Citation
Sexually Transmitted Infections. Vol 99, No.1 (2023), p.21-29
Suggested Citation
Chinbunchorn T., Thaneerat N., Howell S., Sowaprux T., Phiphatkunarnon P., Lujintanon S., Kaewpoowat Q., Phanuphak P., Phanuphak N., Ramautarsing R.A. Assessment of U=U understanding, PrEP awareness, HIV risk behaviours and factors associated with low HIV knowledge among users of Hornet, an online dating application for LGBTQ, in Thailand. Sexually Transmitted Infections. Vol 99, No.1 (2023), p.21-29. doi:10.1136/sextrans-2021-055300 Retrieved from: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14740/10735
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Background Over 50% of HIV infections in Thailand annually occur among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women who use online applications to meet their sexual partners. We conducted a cross-sectional study assessing undetectable=untransmittable (U=U) understanding, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) awareness, sexual behaviours and factors associated with HIV knowledge among users of Hornet in Thailand. Methods From November 2019 to January 2020, a survey was conducted using convenience sampling on Hornet in Thailand. HIV literacy was assessed via 22 questions, and multivariable linear regression was performed. Results 960 responses were assessed; median age was 34 years, the majority were MSM (80.4%), Thai (83.8%), had at least bachelor s degree (74.9%). Regarding the risk profiles, 39.1% reported inconsistent condom use, 15.0% used amphetamine-Type stimulants, 56.9% had not taken PrEP in the last six months and 20.5% never had an HIV test. Only 22.8% thought that U=U was completely accurate. Lower HIV knowledge was associated with being from Africa (β -8.13, 95% CI-14.39 to-1.87), age of 25 years or younger (β -2.6, 95% CI-4.37 to-0.82), education less than bachelor s degree (β -2.58, 95% CI-3.98 to-1.19), having more than one sexual partners (β -2.41, 95% CI-4.13 to-0.69), paying three or more people to have intercourse (β -2.5, 95% CI-4.26 to-0.74), not knowing one s HIV status (β -3.56, 95% CI-5.45 to-1.68) and not answering about previous PrEP use (β -4.11, 95% CI-7.86 to-0.36). Higher HIV knowledge was associated with being from Europe (β 2.54, 95% CI 0.46 to 4.61), the Americas (β 3.37, 95% CI 0.44 to 6.30) and previous PrEP use (β 2.37, 95% CI 0.94 to 3.81). Conclusion Among Hornet users in Thailand, the U=U message was unclear, and PrEP use was suboptimal. Large HIV knowledge gaps and high-risk behaviours were concerning. Educational campaigns in online spaces are needed to promote awareness and HIV prevention strategies. © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2023.