Consent Challenges for Participation of Young Men Who Have Sex With Men in HIV Prevention Research in Thailand.

Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) younger than 18 years are often excluded from HIV prevention research in Thailand due to cultural attitudes toward youth sexuality, social stigma, and difficulties obtaining guardian permission. Culturally sensitive focus group discussions conducted with parent...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Ethics & Behavior Vol. 25; no. 2; pp. 180 - 196
Main Authors: Guadamuz, Thomas E., Goldsamt, Lloyd A., Boonmongkon, Pimpawun
Format: Article
Published: Taylor & Francis Ltd Mar/Apr2015
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Online Access:View this record in EBSCOhost
Description
Summary:Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) younger than 18 years are often excluded from HIV prevention research in Thailand due to cultural attitudes toward youth sexuality, social stigma, and difficulties obtaining guardian permission. Culturally sensitive focus group discussions conducted with parents and YMSM in Bangkok, Thailand, identified barriers and facilitators related to minors’ participation in HIV prevention research. Although gender and class differences emerged, mothers and fathers were generally accepting of research to reduce HIV risk but not in favor of waiver. Youth’s positive attitude toward parental permission was tempered by concerns about harms posed by disclosing same-sex attraction through permission forms.