AIDSImpact.com:: - Santa Fe, USA 2011

Abstract #255 - Sex and sociality in Thai gay saunas
Authors: Presenting Author: Dr Jeffrey Grierson - La Trobe University
Additional Authors: Dr. Stephen McNally,
Aim: This studied investigated the social and sexual practices of Thai men in gay saunas in Bangkok. While there has been some recent research examining HIV prevalence in Thai gay saunas, there has been very little investigation of these venues as sites of social practice for Thai gay men. This study provides an analysis of the social and sexual practices of Thai men in these venues in an effort to better inform prevention, outreach and social change activities with these populations.
Method / Issue: The study was conducted in collaboration with two Thai community based organisations which work with men who have sex with men in Bangkok: Rainbow Sky Association Thailand (RSAT) and Bangkok Rainbow Organisation (BRO). Six saunas were selected on the basis that the venues are ‘best case’ scenarios for prevention work: they had a primary clientele of Thai men; they were venues where the NGOs had a history of outreach work; and management and staff were supportive of the research. The study was conducted in collaboration with two Thai community based organisations which work with men who have sex with men in Bangkok: Rainbow Sky Association Thailand (RSAT) and Bangkok Rainbow Organisation (BRO). Six saunas were selected on the basis that the venues are ‘best case’ scenarios for prevention work: they had a primary clientele of Thai men; they were venues where the NGOs had a history of outreach work; and management and staff were supportive of the research. A Thai language survey instrument was developed in consultation with the two partner organisations. The survey included: demographic information; sauna visit and motivation information; sexuality information and disclosure of sexuality; sexual practice data; HIV and STI testing; and information sources for sexuality and HIV/AIDS issues. The survey was administered by Thai interviewers. Men were interviewed at the end of their visit to the sauna and received a small compensation for participation.
Results / Comments: 728 questionnaires were completed. Mean age was 33 (18 to 61). 98% were Thai citizens. 84% were in full time employment. 58% had some tertiary education, and 39% secondary education. Median income was 200,000 Baht ($US 6,200)/ year. For sexuality/ Phet, 34% identified as Gay Both, 26% Gay King and 20% Gay. 8% live in the neighbourhood of the sauna, 35% in a nearby area of Bangkok and 50% in other parts of Bangkok. Reasons for sauna visits included: ‘to use the facilities’ (sauna, bar etc.) (68%); ‘to have sex’ (59%); ‘to relax’ (58%); and ‘to have fun’ (38%). 56% had sex with one and 28% with two men during this visit. For 11% the man was their regular partner. Of the 487 men who had sex, 87% had anal sex. Of these 420 men, 18% had only receptive anal intercourse, 43% had only insertive anal intercourse and 39% had both. 97% reported that they had used a condom during anal sex and 92% a water based lubricant. 76% reported that they had ever had an HIV test and 57% had had a test in the previous twelve months. Of those, 85% reported that test result to be HIV negative. The most common sources of HIV information were Media (78%), Internet (61%) and health care providers (49%).
Discussion: These findings illustrate the importance of sociality in contextualising men’s use of gay saunas. Understanding the relationship between sexual and social practices in these venues will enhance prevention work with this population.
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