Intimate Partner Violence Experiences among Men Who Have Sex in Hanoi, Vietnam

Intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization is a pressing issue among men who have sex with men (MSM) and has profound health implications. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of IPV and identify factors associated with its occurrence among MSM in Hanoi, Vietnam.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2023 at an MSM-friendly sexual health clinic in Hanoi. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire on a tablet after screening for eligibility. IPV victimization was assessed using a 21-item scale (the IPV-GBM scale). Logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with IPV victimization in the past 12 months.

Among 309 respondents, the mean age was 28 and half of participants reported using PrEP for 12 months or more. Two-thirds reported IPV victimization in the past 12 months (67%). Emotional IPV (47%) was most prevalent, followed by monitoring (39%), controlling (19%), and physical/sexual IPV (15%). Participants who were reported experiencing IPV in the past 12 months were more likely to be aged ≤ 24 years (aOR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.14, 3.44), to report preferring the insertive sexual role (aOR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.10, 3.70), or to report having more sexual partners (2-5 partners vs ≤ 1 partner: aOR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.10, 3.70; ≥ 5 partners vs. ≤ 1 partner: aOR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.10, 3.70).

IPV victimization among MSM on PrEP in Hanoi is highly prevalent. Tailored interventions are needed to address these vulnerabilities and promote safer behaviors and healthier relationships. Efforts should prioritize younger MSM. Further research is necessary to explore IPV dynamics across diverse settings.