THE IMPACT OF COGNITIVE AMONG GAY MEN INFECTED WITH HIV IN ACCESSING ARV TREATMENT IN HO CHI MINH CITY

Abstract

In recent years, despite the implementation of many governmental measures aimed at prevention and control of the HIV epidemic, it has been acknowledged that the group of men who have sex with men (MSM) constitute a high-risk population in Vietnam's HIV/AIDS pandemic. This paper utilises qualitative research data to examine the influence of the mindset of HIV-infected homosexual males in Ho Chi Minh City on their adherence to antiretroviral (ARV) treatment. The research findings indicate that individuals belonging to this particular group frequently experience a state of awareness that emerges from the convergence of societal stereotypes associated with "gay" and "HIV" within the context of their integration into MSM. The aforementioned perspective has had significant adverse consequences on homosexual men who are HIV-positive in terms of their decision-making regarding ARV therapy. Hence, it is imperative to foster a shift in societal consciousness regarding gay men, delineating them as a distinct demographic from the broader MSM category, with the ultimate objective of eradicating gender-based prejudice. This study contributes an additional perspective to elucidate the factors contributing to the suboptimal effectiveness of HIV prevention and control efforts in Vietnam.