Factors associated with HIV testing among male motorbike taxi drivers in urban Vietnam

Abstract

Using the Attitude-Skills-Knowledge (ASK) model, this study examined the prevalence of, and factors associated with, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing among male motorbike taxi drivers (MMTDs). In a cross-sectional design, using quantitative approaches, 291 MMTDs were recruited from 135 sites across 13 districts in Hanoi, Vietnam, for a face-to-face interview. Applying the ASK model modified as a central theory, logistic regression was used to identify determinants of HIV testing. Although many MMTDs engaged in multiple risk behaviours for HIV, only 20.6% had been tested for HIV during the past 12 months. The tested model included one factor of the ASK model, HIV prevention knowledge (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.76; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.12-10.7) and five additional factors: being married (AOR = 3.13; 95% CI = 1.25-4.78), preferring sex with men or with both men and women (AOR = 8.72; 95% CI = 1.48-51.5), having lower number of lifetime sex partners (AOR = 0.66; 95% CI = 0.49-0.88), higher number of past year sex partners (AOR = 2.97: 95% CI = 1.21-7.31) and discussing condom use when having sex with partners (AOR = 0.08; 95% CI = 0.01-7.31). This modified ASK model provided better fit than the ASK model, as it explained more variance in HIV testing (47 vs. 29.8%). Recognising factors associated with HIV testing among MMTDs enables us to create suitable public health intervention strategies.

What are the factors associated with human immunodeficiency virus/sexually transmitted infection screening behaviour among heterosexual men patronising entertainment establishments who engaged in casual or paid sex? – Results from a cross-sectional survey in an Asian urban setting

“…This is similar to other studies where HIV testing increased with higher number of past year sex partners among male motorbike taxi drivers (92.1% were heterosexual) in urban Vietnam [36] and among the general heterosexual male population in Italy [16]. For having engaged in anal sex, our result showed an almost two-fold significant association with HIV/STI testing although this was not observed in heterosexual men who attended the STI clinics in China [20].…”

Health Inequality between Migrant and Non-Migrant Workers in an Industrial Zone of Vietnam

“…However, Quynh et al found that most of them rented accommodation with very poor quality and sanitation standards [24]. The extant literature on the relationship between health and internal labor migration in Vietnam has primarily examined a number of prevalent health risks, such as HIV/AIDS vulnerability and transmission [25,26,27], reproductive tract infection among female migrants [28,29], excessive alcohol consumption among male street laborers [30], sexual practices and sexually transmissible infections among migrant sex workers [31,32], or malaria incidence in the at-risk migrant population [33]. Given continuing migration and uneven economic integration and growth, ensuring the detection of health issues and timely provision of health services in migrant workers is crucial to national health equity [34].…”

Health system research in Vietnam: Generating policy-relevant knowledge

“…HIV testing has been considered as an important service in intervention strategy against HIV/AIDS, but it has been neglected among many high-risk groups in Vietnam. Using the Attitude – Skills – Knowledge (ASK) model, Huy, Khuyen, and Ha (2014) examined factors associated with HIV testing among male motorbike taxi drivers. The study showed that only a few men among the study subjects had been tested for HIV during the past 12 months.…”