Factors Predicting Consistent Use of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60099/prijnr.2026.277459Keywords:
Behavior, HIV infection, Men who have sex with men, Pre-exposure prophylaxis, Predicting factors, ThailandAbstract
HIV infection among men who have sex with men is increasing, and pre-exposure prophylaxis is an effective preventive strategy. Nevertheless, research on pre-exposure prophylaxis use behavior among men who have sex with men in Thailand is limited. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify factors predicting consistent use of pre-exposure prophylaxis among this group in Northeastern Thailand. The study included 128 men who have sex with men, selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected through an online survey platform using questionnaires, including a Demographic Data form, the Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis on Knowledge Questionnaire, the Attitude Questionnaire, the Stigma Questionnaire, the Perceived HIV Risk Questionnaire, the Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, and the Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Use Behavior Questionnaire. Data collection was conducted October 2023 to August 2024. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, biserial correlation, and binary logistic regression analysis.
The results indicated that 39.8% of the participants reported consistent use of pre-exposure prophylaxis. Variables that were significantly correlated with regular use included attitude, stigma, and perceived HIV risk. The attitude and perceived HIV risk remained significant predictors among men who have sex with men, accounting for 41.8% of the variance. Nurses and other healthcare professionals may apply these findings to develop programs that promote positive attitudes, reduce stigma, and enhance perceived HIV risk, thereby increasing pre-exposure prophylaxis utilization among at-risk men who have sex with men. Future research should also examine additional influences, including media and community campaigns, partner support, accessibility of healthcare services and clinics, and healthcare providers’ attitudes toward men who have sex with men, to further advance understanding of pre-exposure prophylaxis utilization.
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