P36.11
Background: Evidence concerning sex party participation and recreational drug use along with continuing high rates of HIV and STIs among MSM in Thailand has been described in several studies. We investigated HIV incidence among young MSM (YMSM) and characteristics associated with sex party participation.
Methods: Thai men,≥18 years from the Bangkok metropolitan area who reported sex with another man in the past 6 months were enrolled and followed-up every four months for HIV testing and audio computer-assisted self-interview behavioral questionnaire completion. We defined engaging in sex parties as having group sex and using recreational or erectile dysfunction drugs in the past four months preceding enrollment. We calculated HIV incidence among YMSM 18–24 years of age from 2006–2014 using survival analysis. Factors associated with sex party participation were analyzed using logistic regression.
Results: Of 1744 men enrolled, 712 (40.8%) were YMSM, 77/712 (11%) reported engaging in sex parties, 428/712 (60%) reported unprotected anal intercourse in the past 4 months. HIV incidence among YMSM engaged in sex parties was 8 per 100 Person-Years. Factors associated with sex parties were: sex with casual partners at pub/disco [Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR) 5.8, 95% CI 2.0-16.9], paid for sex (AOR 4.1, 95% CI 1.9-8.8), sex with foreigner (AOR 3.3, 95% CI 1.9-5.8), self-report of STIs (AOR 2.8, 95% CI 1.5-5.1), had HIV infection (AOR 2.6, 95% CI 1.5-4.7), reporting Internet use to find casual partners (AOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1-3.5), ever had suicidal idea (AOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.2-3.7), and experience of coercive sex (AOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.03-3.5).
Conclusions: Engaging in sex parties was common among Bangkok YMSM in our cohort. Sex at entertainment venues and commercial sex are strongly associated with sex parties, both high-risk behaviors for incident HIV. Innovative and creative HIV interventions directed at MSM engaging in high-risk behaviors is needed to promote safer sex behaviors.
