Data from: Elevated HIV prevalence and risk behaviors among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Vietnam: a systematic review

Objectives: To review and analyze original studies on HIV prevalence and
risk behaviours among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Vietnam. Design:
Systematic literature review. Comprehensive identification of material was
conducted by systematic electronic searches of selected databases.
Inclusion criteria included studies conducted from 2002 onwards, following
a systematic review concluding in 2001 conducted by Colby, Nghia Huu, and
Doussantousse. Data analysis was undertaken through the application of
both the Cochrane Collaboration and ePPI Centre approaches to the
synthesis of qualitative and quantitative studies. Setting: Vietnam.
Results: Sixteen studies, undertaken during 2005-2011, were identified
that met the inclusion criteria. The analysis showed that HIV prevalence
among MSM in Vietnam has increased significantly (from 9.4 in 2006 to 20%
in 2010 in Hanoi, for instance) and that protective behaviours, such as
condom use and HIV testing and counselling, continue at inadequately low
levels. Conclusions: Increasing HIV prevalence and the lack of effective
protective behaviours such as consistent condom use during anal sex among
MSM in Vietnam indicate a potential for a more severe HIV epidemic in the
future unless targeted and segmented comprehensive HIV prevention
strategies for MSM in Vietnam are designed and programs implemented.