Amphoe Bang Lamung

Researchers are studying the impact and cost-effectiveness of long-acting antiretrovirals for HIV prevention among Thai men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) at risk of HIV infection. The study involves three main parts: discrete choice experiments (DCE) to understand preferences for PrEP options, analysis of routine service data, and combining these results for epidemiological and economic evaluations. The goal is to understand what drives individual decisions about PrEP use and how new long-acting treatments might influence uptake compared to oral PrEP. The study includes several phases starting with in-depth interviews (IDIs) of 20 MSM and 20 TGW who are current or past PrEP users or interested in PrEP. These interviews identify important attributes of PrEP options. Next, focus group discussions (FGDs) with selected IDI participants refine these attributes. Then pilot testing of the DCE surveys is done with 30 MSM and 30 TGW to finalize the surveys. Finally, two separate surveys for MSM and TGW collect detailed information on sociodemographics, risk behaviors, PrEP knowledge, use, and preferences for different PrEP forms, dosing schedules, provider types, costs, and side effects. Participants will provide information through interviews, surveys, and discussions conducted in person or online. Researchers will analyze this data to estimate preferences and project how long-acting PrEP might affect uptake and cost-effectiveness over 12 months. The study measures epidemiological impact and economic value of these new prevention methods to inform future HIV prevention strategies in the key populations of Thailand.