Knowledge, Understanding and Behavior to Prevent HIV and Sexually Transmitted Diseases among Men Who have Sex with Men in Songkhla Province

Abstract

          Objectives: To study men having sex with men on their knowledge and understanding in self - protection behavior from HIV infection and sexually transmitted diseases and to assess change in knowledge and understanding in self - protection behavior from HIV infection and sexually transmitted diseases.
          Methods: This study was a survey to assess level of knowledge, understading and behavior pre and post group intervention. Study target group was purposively selected male study in secondary and vocational schools in Songkhla province. There were 56 students, aged 13 - 20 years, in the study. Study
was performed during January - June 2017. Group intervention for the study group included health modification activities. Data were collected via questionnaire pre and post intervention. Analysis was done using descriptive statistics, with t-test to compare change on the level of knowledge and behavior
before and after group intervention.
          Results: It was showed that average age of the subjects was 16.13 years old. They had a high level of knowledge on HIV and sexually transmitted diseases. The score increased from 84.0 percent to 91.6 percent and report to use a condom every time when having sex increased from 85.7 percent to
100.0 percent. When comparing the average scores, it was found that level of knowledge and understanding on self - protection behavior are significant statistical increased after participated in group intervention.
          Summary: Health behavior modification activities for men having sex with men is a process that can increase knowledge and understanding on HIV infection and sexually transmitted diseases prevention including condom use behavior.