Social environment and HIV risk among MSM in Hanoi and Thai Nguyen

M. C. Berry, V. F. Go, V. M. Quan, N. L. Minh, T. V. Ha, N. V. Mai, E. Sarin, C. Beyrer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Little is known about the effect of the social environment on HIV risk in gay men in northern Vietnam, particularly in rural areas. This qualitative research study conducted 4 key informant interviews and 30 in-depth interviews of men in two northern Vietnamese cities: Hanoi, a large city, and Thai Nguyen, a smaller town. Hanoi has experienced a growth in the number of places where gay men can socialize, access HIV prevention services, and discuss health issues. Thai Nguyen lacks these open venues. However, homosexuality is still highly stigmatized in the general population in both cities. This stigma affects the number of partners and level of sexual risk of participants. Also, men generally reported little communication between partners about sexual risk. While stigma in the general community is difficult to change, social environments where gay men can openly communicate creates an opportunity for HIV prevention and social support.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)38-42
Number of pages5
JournalAIDS Care - Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV
Volume25
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2013

Keywords

  • HIV
  • Men who have sex with men
  • Qualitative research
  • Stigma
  • Vietnam

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Psychology
  • Health(social science)
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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