Low HIV Testing and PrEP Uptake of Adolescent and Young Men who have Sex with Men in Vietnam

Abstract

Little is known about HIV testing, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) awareness and uptake among adolescent and young men who have sex with men (AYMSM) in Vietnam. We conducted an online survey among AYMSM in Vietnam to determine the prevalence of HIV testing, PrEP awareness, uptake and their correlates. From December 2022-March 2023, 120 HIV-negative AYMSM from 15 to 19 years old in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam were recruited through peer referral to complete an online survey, which included questions on demographics, sexual behaviors, HIV risk perception and knowledge, HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STI) testing, PrEP awareness and uptake. Separate multivariable models were used to determine the correlates of HIV testing, PrEP awareness and uptake. Only 58% of participants had ever been tested for HIV. The majority of participants had heard of PrEP before (82%), but only 36% had ever used PrEP. HIV knowledge (aPR (adjusted prevalence ratio) = 1.59; 95%CI:1.06–2.39), a history of STI testing (aPR = 1.32; 95%CI:1.06–1.64), having had anal sex with another man (aPR = 4.49; 95%CI:1.40-14.38) and lower HIV risk perception (aPR = 0.62; 95%CI:0.47–0.83) were associated with HIV testing. HIV knowledge (aPR = 1.38; 95%CI:1.06–1.78) and a history of STI testing (aPR = 1.16; 95%CI:1.03–1.32) were also associated with PrEP awareness. Higher HIV risk perception was negatively associated with PrEP use (aPR = 0.59; 95%CI:0.35–0.99). Our findings underscored the urgent need for further research to explore the causes of the gaps in HIV testing and PrEP use as well as to design innovative interventions tailored to the needs of AYMSM to support HIV testing and PrEP use.