Displaying all 6 publications

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Osteria T, Sullivan G
    AIDS Educ Prev, 1991;3(2):133-46.
    PMID: 1873137
    This paper examines the impact of cultural values and government policies on the content of AIDS educational literature prepared by public health agencies in Malaysia and the Philippines. The literature from these countries, which has been distributed to the public and is intended to inform them of the danger of AIDS, how the HIV is and is not transmitted, and how to avoid infection, is analyzed and evaluated for effectiveness and congruence with the dominant religious tenets and cultural practices in each country, and attitudes to sexual behavior. The paper also describes the response of these countries to the AIDS pandemic, and concludes with suggestions about how this form of AIDS education can be improved.
  2. Huang M, Hussein H
    AIDS Educ Prev, 2004 Jun;16(3 Suppl A):100-9.
    PMID: 15262569
    Since the first case of HIV/AIDS was identified in 1986 in Malaysia, the number of infected individuals has increased steadily each year, so that by the end of 2002 the cumulative number of people living with HIV/AIDS was 57,835 (51,256 with HIV and 6,579 with AIDS), with 5,676 AIDS deaths. The epidemic in Malaysia, currently in a concentrated epidemic stage, is primarily fueled by drug use, but there is ample evidence that heterosexual transmission has increased over the last few years. A strategic plan that includes prevention, care, support, and treatment run by both the government and nongovernmental organizations has been in place since the beginning of the epidemic. However, Malaysia will need to take a more pragmatic approach to reduce new infections (which numbered 19 each day in 2002) among the youth on whom the country relies for development. Leaders need to recognize that HIV/AIDS is not just a health issue, but also a socioeconomic concern that can eliminate all the developmental gains achieved over the years. Working together, Malaysians can overcome the epidemic, but there is a need to act quickly and to act in effective ways so that the devastating effects (already evident in the number of AIDS orphans and widows) can be reduced.
  3. Lim SH, Alias H, Kien JKW, Akbar M, Kamarulzaman A, Wong LP
    AIDS Educ Prev, 2019 06;31(3):193-205.
    PMID: 31145000 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2019.31.3.193
    This study aimed to examine the barriers and facilitators to HIV testing and treatment among Malaysian MSM. Between June 2014 and December 2015, in-depth interviews were conducted in 20 HIV-positive MSM recruited from a teaching hospital and NGO in Kuala Lumpur. Thematic analysis was used to identify, analyze, and report themes. Most participants investigated their HIV status after long period of sickness. Others sought testing upon partner's diagnosis and some were diagnosed via blood donation. Barriers to testing include personal (perceived good health, fear of positive result, denial); social and structural factors (stigmatization by health providers and family, lack of information about free HIV testing and long wait time). Barriers to treatment comprise personal factors (perceived HIV as incurable and treatment as complicated), social factors (HIV and homosexual stigma), and cost. Promoting benefits of regular testing and early treatment is needed to improve HIV care continuum among MSM in Malaysia.
  4. Ching SZ, Wong LP, Said MAB, Lim SH
    AIDS Educ Prev, 2020 10;32(5):416-431.
    PMID: 33112675 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2020.32.5.416
    The aim of the study was to consolidate evidence on barriers and facilitators to PrEP adherence among men who have sex with men. PubMed, Science Direct, and EBSCO host were utilized to search for relevant articles. Six articles from PubMed, published between 2010 and 2018, were reviewed. Thematic analysis was employed to synthesize findings. At the individual level, HIV susceptibility, knowledge of PrEP, and individual lifestyle affected PrEP adherence. At the organizational level, cost of PrEP and quality of PrEP services influenced adherence to PrEP. At the societal level, social stigma, financial assistance or medical insurance, and family and peer support were determinants of PrEP adherence. Facilitators included perceived high risk of HIV infection and payment assistance, while barriers included social stigma and high cost of PrEP. Social stigma and structural level factors such as payment assistance and cost of PrEP need to be examined to ensure optimal adherence to PrEP.
  5. Burch WJ, Hart GJ, Lim SH
    AIDS Educ Prev, 2018 04;30(2):85-95.
    PMID: 29688771 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2018.30.2.85
    Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) are a group at high risk for HIV infection, yet no research has been conducted to understand this population in Malaysia. Semistructured interviews from a combination of YMSM aged 18-25 (n = 20) and local service providers of sexual health services (n = 4) were conducted from May to June 2015. Thematic analysis was used to identify common themes in participant responses from transcripts. Participants reported societal and internalized homophobia, an absence of sex education and difficulty accessing confidential HIV testing. This study provides insights into how homophobia in Malaysian society influences individual risk behavior for HIV in Malaysian YMSM, and makes practical suggestions for more effective HIV prevention in this population.
  6. Nemoto T, Xie H, Iwamoto M, Piroth K, Hazratzai M, Teh YK
    AIDS Educ Prev, 2022 Oct;34(5):427-439.
    PMID: 36181498 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2022.34.5.427
    HIV risk behaviors and psychological well-being among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (n = 140), were quantitatively described in relation to demographic and psychosocial factors. Most participants were tested for HIV and 41.4% reported living with HIV. Malay participants had significantly higher levels of depression (p < .05), homophobia (p < .01), and needs for social support (p < .01) than Chinese. More Chinese participants reported suicidal thoughts than Malaysians (p < .05). A multivariate analysis revealed that participants with gay/MSM-identified or had lower levels of self-esteem showed significantly higher levels of depression. Future intervention projects should address depression and mental health issues among MSM and strengthen self-esteem and social support through culturally competent support and individual counseling programs (e.g., addressing MSM's conflicts with religious beliefs and norms). Structural changes must be made incrementally to reduce homophobia against MSM in Malaysia while advocating human rights.
Filters
Contact Us

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links