Transactional sex, HIV and health among young cisgender men and transgender women who have sex with men in Thailand
Year: 2022
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: PURPOSE: To examine how recent sex work is identified and the HIV risk factors and service needs among Thai cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) who exchange sex. METHODS: MSM and TGW in Bangkok and Pattaya who exchanged sex in the last year (n = 890) were recruited through social media, outreach, and word-of-mouth. Recent sex exchange was based on the primary question, "In the last 30 days, have you sold or traded sex"; secondary questions (regarding income source and client encounters) were also investigated. RESULTS: Overall, 436 (48%) participants engaged in sex work in the last 30 days; among those, 270 (62%) reported exchanging sex by the primary question, and 160 (37%) based on secondary questions only. Recent sex exchange was associated with gonorrhea, syphilis, discussing PrEP with others, and using condoms, alcohol, methamphetamine, amyl nitrate, and Viagra. Exchanging sex based on secondary questions only was associated with being in a relationship, social media recruitment, less recent anal intercourse, and not discussing PrEP. CONCLUSIONS: Thai MSM and TGW who exchange sex need regular access to HIV/STI prevention, testing, and treatment services, and multiple approaches to assessing sex work will help identify and serve this diverse and dynamic population.
Source: Annals of Epidemiology
Authors: Brian W. Weir, Chen Dun, Andrea L. Wirtz, Sandra Hsu Hnin Mon, Noor Qaragholi, Tareerat Chemnasiri, Sarika Pattanasin, Wichuda Sukwicha, Anchalee Varangrat, Eileen F. Dunne, Timothy H. Holtz, Surang Janyam, Harry Jin, Danai Linjongrat, Philip A. Mock, Michael C. Thigpen, James F. Rooney, Patrick S. Sullivan, Andrew C. Hickey, Pachara Sirivongrangson, Chris Beyrer
Language: English
Topic: Sex work and related issues
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,090
Funders: Gilead Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Mahidol University, National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for AIDS Research, University of Washington, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, National Institute on Aging, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
OpenAlex ID: W4223581695