Sexually transmissible infection and HIV prevention and treatment for young male sex workers in Vietnam: findings from the SHEATH intervention
Michael C. Clatts A E , Lloyd A. Goldsamt B , Lê Minh Giang C , Lê Quốc Bảo D , Gary Yu B and Donn Colby D
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A School of Public Health, PO Box 365067, University of Puerto Rico Medical Science Center, San Juan 00936, Puerto Rico.
B New York University College of Nursing, 433 First Avenue, New York, NY 10010, USA.
C Center for Research and Training on HIV/AIDS, 1 Tôn Thất Tùng Street, Room 601, Building A1, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam.
D Center for AIDS Research on Men and Community Health (CARMAH), 51-53 Võ Văn Tần Street (KM Plaza), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
E Corresponding author. Email: michael.clatts@upr.edu
Sexual Health 13(6) 575-581 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH16051
Submitted: 2 April 2016 Accepted: 5 July 2016 Published: 9 September 2016
Abstract
Background: Urban centres in Vietnam have high rates of HIV infection, especially among men who have sex with men (MSM). A subgroup of MSM, young male sex workers (YMSW), are at especially high risk due to concurrent sex with multiple male and female partners, low levels of knowledge regarding HIV and sexually transmissible infection (STI) transmission, and limited engagement with health services, including STI and HIV screening and treatment. Methods: A targeted intervention (SHEATH) derived from Harm Reduction and Sexual Health Promotion intervention technology was implemented in an out-of-treatment population of YMSW in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (n = 919). Results: YMSW reported high levels of satisfaction with each of the seven core modules within the intervention and for the intervention as a whole. The intervention conferred significant benefit in relation to improved knowledge of STI and HIV transmission (P < 0.001). Although only 36% of participants had seen a healthcare provider in the past year, following the intervention 81% intended to see one in the next 6 months. Similarly, although 71% of participants did not disclose that they were MSM the last time they visited a healthcare provider, following the intervention 71% intended to do so at their next visit. High rates of STIs (>10%) and HIV (9.5%) were also found. Conclusion: The data show that the SHEATH intervention can be implemented in this population and setting, is met with high rates of acceptability, and positively impacts STI and HIV knowledge and multiple health services outcomes (including knowledge of HIV status and disposition towards habituation of HIV screening).
Additional keyword: sexual health promotion.
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