Project dates: June 2012 - May 2018
Principal Investigator: Clatts M
Principal Investigator: Giang LM
Research has found that young male sex workers (YMSWs) in Vietnam have high rates of unprotected sex with multiple partners, contributing to the high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV. At the same time, few YMSW are engaged and retained in protective health services such as STI/HIV screening and early linkages to HIV care. This study addressed these gaps in community outreach and health services access by implementing a Sexual Health Promotion (SHP) intervention package targeted to YMSWs in two strategically selected cities in Vietnam (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City). The intervention combined community outreach and a face to face session with a Health Educator, using Motivational Interviewing to deliver content in the following areas: 1) Sexual Health, 2) Sexual Diversity, STI/HIV Transmission, 4) Sexual Risk Reduction, 5) Substance Use, 6) Stigma Management, and 7) Health Seeking. The impact of the intervention was assessed by examining levels of testing, treatment, and vaccination (for HBV). The information learned will help create programs for young male sex workers that increase their understanding of sexual health care and services, and lead to improved health outcomes.
Abstract on NIH RePORTERHIV and other STIs in male sex workers: Findings from a sexual health promotion intervention in Vietnam
International Journal of STD and AIDS, 29 (6), 540-546. doi: 10.1177/0956462417740291.
Clatts MC, Goldsamt LA, Giang LM, Quoc Bao L, Yu G, Colby D (2016).
Sexually transmissible infection and HIV prevention and treatment for young male sex workers in Vietnam: Findings from the SHEATH intervention
Sexual Health, 13 (6), 575-581. doi: 10.1071/SH16051.
Yu G, Goldsamt LA, Clatts MC, Giang LM (2016).
Sexual initiation and complex recent polydrug use patterns among male sex workers in Vietnam: A preliminary epidemiological trajectory
Archives of Sexual Behavior, 45 (4), 975-981. doi: 10.1007/s10508-015-0667-1. PMCID: PMC4821745.
Goldsamt LA, Clatts MC, Giang L, Yu G (2015).
Injection and sexual risk practices among young heroin users in Hanoi, Vietnam
Drugs: Education, Prevention, and Policy, 22 (2), 166-172. doi: 10.3109/09687637.2014.979765. PMCID: PMC4435536.
Goldsamt LA, Clatts MC, Giang LM, Yu G (2015).
Prevalence and behavioral correlates of depression and anxiety among male sex workers in Vietnam
International Journal of Sexual Health, 27 (2), 145-155. doi: 10.1080/19317611.2014.947055. PMCID: PMC4431688.
Yu G, Clatts MC, Goldsamt LA, Giang LM (2015).
Substance use among male sex workers in Vietnam: Prevalence, onset, and interactions with sexual risk
International Journal of Drug Policy, 25 (5), 516-521. doi: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2014.10.011. PMCID: PMC4397118.
Giang LM, Clatts MC, Goldsamt LA, Yu G (2014).
High rates of oral STIs among male sex workers in Vietnam
Sexually Transmitted Infections, 90 (7), 528. doi: 10.1136/sextrans-2013-051423. PMCID: PMC4381808.