Factors predicting utilization of HIV counseling and testing among men who have sex with men in Thaton township, Mon state, Myanmar

Abstract

Increasing assessment to utilization of HIV counseling and testing is crucial for HIV prevention, care and treatment process. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to predict the factors associated with utilization of HIV counseling and testing among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Thaton township, Mon State, Myanmar by applying Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Respondent Driven Sampling Method (RDS) was used and total 217 samples were included in this study. The data were collected by face-to-face interview form 9th April to 9th May 2020.The data were analyzed by SPSS version 22 with Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, Correlation analysis, Bivariate and Multivariate logistic regression analysis. The result showed that only 50.7% of MSM utilized HIV within 12 months. In Chi-square test analysis, age, self-defined sexual identity, attitudes towards utilization of HCT, subjective norms about HCT and intention towards HCT were associated with utilization of HCT among MSM at p value < 0.05. In correlation analysis, subjective norms was positively correlated and attitudes and intention towards HCT were negatively correlated with utilization of HCT. In multivariate analysis, age and subjective norms were strongly predicted for utilization of HCT among MSM. According to the findings, subjective norms showed the strongest predictor in this study. So, for developing intervention program, health education through peer educators and peer-delivered HIV counseling and testing should be considered for enhancing HCT uptake. Suggestions for further researches 1. As it was a quantitative study, further analytical studies which include a qualitative component should be conducted to assess about facilitators and barriers facing by MSM in utilization of HCT. 2. Further studies might be conducted to assess the effectiveness of key population service center in HIV prevention.