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Abstract
Correlates of sexual coercion among populations of men who have sex with men in Thailand
T.E. Guadamuz1, S. Naorat1, A. Varangrat1, P. Phanuphak2, R. Jommaroeng3, P.A. Mock1, J.W. Tappero4, F. van Griensven5, T. Siraprapasiri1, Thailand MSM Study Group
Background: Although sexual coercion is believed to increase vulnerability to HIV infection, prevalence and correlates of sexual coercion are not well described. In 2005, we assessed the prevalence of sexual coercion and associated factors among populations of men who have sex with men in Thailand.
Methods: Between March-October 2005, cross-sectional surveys, using venue-day-time sampling, enrolled 2,049 men (response rate 97.3%) from Bangkok, Chiangmai, and Phuket. Participants were Thai, aged ³15 years and had had sex with a man in the past 6 months. Palmtop computer-assisted self-interviews collected demographic and behavioral data. Our study population consisted of general men who have sex with men (MSM), male sex workers (MSW), and transgendered persons (TG). Logistic regression evaluated factors associated with sexual coercion (defined as ever being forced to have sex against one’s will).
Results: Of participants (mean age 24.8 years), 821 (40.1%) were MSM, 754 (36.8%) MSW, and 474 (23.1%) TG. History of coerced sex was reported by 377 (18.4%), and of these, 253 (67.3%) were coerced more than once (median=2 times). Median age of first coerced sex was 17 years. In bivariate analysis, female/gay sexual identity (vs. male), receptive anal sex role (vs. insertive/dual role), recruited from street/park (vs. saunas/bars), recruited from Phuket (vs. Bangkok/Chiangmai), being TG (vs. MSM/MSW) and ever having received valuables/favors for sex were significantly associated with coerced sex (p<0.0001). Multivariate analysis (ORs; 95%CIs) showed that identifying as female/gay (1.86;1.39,2.48), receptive anal sex role (1.49;1.11,2.01), recruited from street/park (1.50;1.18,1.92) and ever having received valuables/favors for sex (2.18;1.69,2.81) were significantly and independently associated with coerced sex.
Conclusions: Sexual coercion was common in Thai populations of men who have sex with men. Risk factors associated with sexual coercion as documented in our analysis may help identify those at higher risk and inform preventive interventions for them.
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
MOAD0305
Suggested Citation
"T.E.Guadamuz, et al.
Correlates of sexual coercion among populations of men who have sex with men in Thailand.
Oral abstract session:
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
MOAD0305"
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