HIV Pre - Exposure prophylaxis Self - efficacy and its associated factors among men who have sex with men in Hanoi, Vietnam 2023

Abstract

A cross - sectional study, conducted at a clinic providing PrEP in Hanoi from March to May 2023, aims to describe PrEP adherence self-efficacy (PrEP-ASES) among men who have sex with men (MSM) and to assess its associated factors. PrEP-ASES was measured by a nine-item scale and the higher the average score of the nine items corresponds to higher levels of self-efficacy on PrEP. Among 309 study participants, the average age is 27 years old, 58% had an education level of high school or higher, and 24% disclosed their sexual orientation to acquaintances. The average score of PrEP-ASES was 7.8 (standard deviation 1.8). The multivariable linear regression model showed that MSM disclose their sexual orientation to more than 50% of people (β = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.37 - 1.38) or perceive higher levels of PrEP benefits (β = 0.38; 95% CI: 0.23 - 0.53) were more likely to have higher levels of self-efficacy on PrEP. To increase self-efficacy, two factors that need intervention are increasing the level of sexual orientation disclosure and perception of PrEP benefits. Further research should be conducted on a large scale and recruit more diverse participants.