Publication: Association of co-occurring psychosocial health conditions and HIV infection among MSM in Malaysia: Implication of a syndemic effect
Issued Date
2020-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
17581052
09564624
09564624
Other identifier(s)
2-s2.0-85083591962
Rights
Mahidol University
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
International Journal of STD and AIDS. (2020)
Suggested Citation
Rong Xiang Ng, Thomas E. Guadamuz, Mohd Akbar, Adeeba Kamarulzaman, Sin How Lim Association of co-occurring psychosocial health conditions and HIV infection among MSM in Malaysia: Implication of a syndemic effect. International Journal of STD and AIDS. (2020). doi:10.1177/0956462420913444 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/54640
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Title
Association of co-occurring psychosocial health conditions and HIV infection among MSM in Malaysia: Implication of a syndemic effect
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Abstract
© The Author(s) 2020. In Malaysia, the HIV epidemic is concentrated in a highly stigmatized population, men who have sex with men (MSM). The relationship of multiple psychosocial health conditions and HIV risks have not been investigated. This study aims to assess the association of multiple psychosocial factors with risky sexual behaviour and HIV infection among MSM. Data on demographic characteristics, psychosocial health conditions, condomless anal intercourse (CAI), HIV testing and HIV status were collected via an anonymous online survey. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine whether psychosocial health conditions among MSM have a syndemic association with HIV status. Between July 2017 and February 2018, 622 MSM completed the online survey. Overall, 54.3% of participants reported engaging in CAI in the past three months and 46.0% were found to have two or more psychosocial health conditions. Increasing numbers of psychosocial health conditions (1, 2, 3, 4 or more) were significantly associated with HIV infection compared to those without psychosocial health condition (odds ratio [OR] 3.39, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.41–8.14; OR 3.51, 95% CI: 1.43–8.61; OR 4.22, 95% CI: 1.68–10.96, and OR 7.58, 95% CI: 2.44–23.55, respectively). Comprehensive HIV prevention programs addressing mental health and substance use are needed for MSM in Malaysia.