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This study explored factors associated with interest in taking PrEP among men who have sex with men (MSM) attending HIV testing venues in Sweden. Data from 658 HIV-negative respondents, surveyed by a questionnaire at six sites, were analyzed descriptively and by univariable and multivariable logistic regression. A total of 453 (68.8%) of the respondents expressed interest in taking PrEP. Reporting self-perceived risk of HIV acquisition as moderate or high, reporting ≥ 5 partners for condomless anal intercourse during the past year, and reporting hard drug use during the past year were independently associated with interest in taking PrEP. However, an aggregated variable of self-reported rectal gonorrhea, rectal chlamydia, or syphilis infection during the past year was not associated with interest in taking PrEP. Overall, Swedish MSM were well-informed regarding PrEP, and interest in taking PrEP was positively associated with sexual risk indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An emerging HIV epidemic can be seen among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Vietnam. There are currently no evidence-based behavioral sexual risk reduction interventions for MSM in this setting. Between October 2012 and June 2013, 100 high-risk MSM from Ho Chi Minh City were enrolled in an open pilot trial to assess feasibility and acceptability of a group-based, manualized sexual risk reduction intervention, and to preliminarily examine changes in primary and secondary outcomes. Participants completed a behavioral assessment battery and HIV testing at baseline, 3, and 6 months post-baseline. Over 80.0 % of the sample was <25 years old and 77.0 % identified as Bong kin ("hidden," masculine-appearing). Feasibility and acceptability of the program was evidenced by 87.0 % retention for the intervention sessions, 78.0 % completion of the 6 month assessment, and positive responses on evaluation forms and qualitative exit interviews. There was a decline in the number of condomless anal sex acts from baseline (6.32) to 3 month (2.06) and 6 month (2.49) follow-up (p < .0001). These data support the need for further testing of this group-based, behavioral HIV prevention intervention to reduce sexual risk behavior among MSM in Vietnam in a randomized controlled efficacy trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An exigent need exists for HIV prevention intervention research targeting young men who have sex with men (MSM)-a group of young adults that, despite composing the highest and most racially disproportionate rates of HIV incidence, have been least often the focus of behavioral intervention research. This pilot study tested a group-based HIV primary prevention intervention for young MSM to evaluate its initial efficacy, feasibility, and acceptability. Participants were randomized ( N = 101; aged 16-20 years) to one of two group-level, HIV and STI education programs: controls participated in a non-interactive, lecture-based program, while intervention participants took part in a highly interactive program tailored to young MSM aged 16-20. Sexual risk and social cognitive outcomes were assessed at baseline, 6-, and 12-weeks post-intervention. Over the entire follow-up period, intervention participants were less likely than controls to engage in any sexual behavior while under the influence of substances ( p < .05), and a decreasing trend in unprotected anal sex while under the influence of substances was also observed in this group ( p = .08). Follow-up differences between groups on social cognitive outcomes favored the intervention group, though these differences were non-significant. Acceptability ratings were modest. A 6-session behavioral intervention tailored to young MSM, aged 16-20, is feasible, acceptable, and demonstrates evidence of preliminary efficacy in reducing sexual risk, specifically sexual risk while under the influence of substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]