Perceived Risks of Sexually Transmitted Diseases among MSM in a University in Phayao Province

Abstract

This study was a cross-sectional research aimed at exploring the perception of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) risk among a group of men who have sex with men (MSM) at a university in Phayao province. It investigated factors associated with STDs risk perception and identified predictors of STD risk perception in this group. The samples comprised 116 MSM students aged between 18 and 24 years. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires between June and July, 2023 and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-square tests and Multiple logistic regression. The research findings indicated that the sample had a high perception of STDs risk, with 70.69% reporting so. Statistically significant factors associated with STDs risk perception included relationship status (OR=6.621, 95%CI=1.469-29.841), history of STDs treatment (OR=1.466, 95%CI=1.288-1.668), attitudes towards STDs (OR=3.498, 95%CI=0.112-0.730), and health belief models related to STDs (p=<0.001, OR=12.727, 95%CI=4.645-34.874). Predictors of STDs risk perception included relationship status with someone to converse with (OR _Adj. = 26.911, 95%CI= 3.168 - 228.612) and health belief models (OR _Adj. = 15.974, 95%CI 4.214 60.557), accounting for 46% of the variance. Thus, the university should organize health belief model promotion activities targeting male students without partners.