CHARACTERISTICS AND NUMBER OF MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN IN PHUKET, THAILAND

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Date
2010-10-22
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Chiang Mai Medical Journal
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to describe the characteristics of Men who have sex with men (MSM) and estimate the number MSM involved in the sex trade in Phuket. Key persons were identified from organizations involved with MSM and face to face interviews were conducted. During these interviews, other key persons were identified and subsequently interviewed. Data from the government health service and Patong Entertainment Business Association were used to estimate the number of MSM involved in the sex trade. We found that the behavior of Phuket MSM differed by district. The majority of  MSM in Muang district were students. Senior MSM advised junior MSM about hormonal replacement and gay social life. They were not concerned about condom use. In Kartu district, local MSM were more likely to work in cabaret shows, while those who came from the northern or northeastern region were more likely to work in the sex trade. Few local MSM from the sub-districts of Kartu and Talang districts publicly acknowledged themselves as gay for reasons that included their behavior being contrary to the Muslim religion and their family’s acceptance. Some MSM got married to females in order to disguise their sexual identity. Local MSM occasionally had sexual relationships with gay men, heterosexual male students, heterosexual males, and tourists. The number of MSM involved in the sex trade in Phuket increased from 59 in 1997 to 1022 in 2002. The HIV prevalence was 13.07% in 2003. Effective intervention is in urgent need. Chiang Mai Med Bull 2005;44():
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Chiang Mai Medical Journal; Vol.44 No.2 June 2005 (pages 49 - 83); 57 - 63