A cross-sectional study on the HIV-related knowledge, attitudes and practices of male youth having sex with men in Metro Manila / The Health Sciences Journal

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The Philippines continues to see an increasing trend in diagnosed cases of HIV. Thepredominant population of males having sex with men (MSM) is the 25-34 years age group, but trendsshow an increasing incidence in younger populations. This study aimed to determine the participants'HIV/AIDS related knowledge, attitudes and practices and its relationships with the sociodemographicfactors of youth MSM in Metro Manila.METHODS: The researchers used an analytic, cross-sectional design using a self-administered questionnaire.The survey tool consisted on 24 items on knowledge and 12 on attitudes. Respondents were classifiedinto "inadequate" and "adequate" knowledge, and "poor" and "good" attitudes for the analysis. Purposivesampling was used to recruit 251 respondents.RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents was 22 ± 1.7 years. Most of the respondents had high HIVknowledge and good attitudes towards PLHIV but still engaged in risky sexual practices. Those who hadundergone HIV testing were significantly more likely to have good knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS. Withregards to attitudes, those not in a relationship were significantly more likely to have positive attitudestowards PLHIV and HIV/AIDS.CONCLUSION: HIV testing status positively influences HIV/AIDS-related knowledge while being singlepositively influences attitudes towards PLHIV and HIV/AIDS. No significant findings were found betweenage, educational attainment and religious affiliation with knowledge and attitudes.