HIV risk, risk perception and uptake of HIV testing and counseling among youth men who have sex with men attending a gay sauna

Background Men who have sex with men (MSM) are amongst populations at-risk for HIV acquisition in Thailand. In youth MSM (aged 15–24 years), the incidence of HIV infection has substantially increased. However, data on HIV risk, risk perception and HIV testing and counseling (HTC) uptake among youth MSM in hotspots are limited. Methods A subanalysis of a prospective study among Thai MSM attending a gay sauna was conducted. HIV risk and risk perception were assessed by an anonymous survey. The MSM were categorized as having actual “low-risk”, “moderate-risk” and “high-risk” for HIV acquisition based on the validated study risk categorization tool. HTC was provided on-site with result notification within 1 h. HIV care establishment appointment was arranged by the counselors for HIV-infected participants. Care engagement within 1 year of diagnosis was subsequently assessed. Results There were 358 MSM participants; 87 (24%) were youth MSM. Comparing to other MSM, youth MSM had significantly higher median number of lifetime sexual partners [2 (IQR 1–9) vs. 1 (IQR 0–1); P