Thesis, Undergraduate (B.S. Agribusiness Economics)--University of the Philippines, Mindanao

Several shifts can be observed in the socio-demographic profile of people living with HIV (PLHIV) through time, and one of which is the shift in the sexual orientation. The most recent records show that Men Having Sex with Men (MSM) is the most vulnerable population to the virus thus, this study analyzed the relationship between the socio-demographic and behavioural characteristics, particularly frequency of unprotected sex and number of partners, of MSM living with HIV in Davao City. Using Ordinal Logistic Regression, the results revealed that the employment and perception towards HIV significantly affect the frequency of MSM to engage in unprotected sex. Also, the number of sexual partners after the MSM's acquisition of the virus, as determined using Tobit Regression, is also influenced by employment, perception, and their sexual activities. Using Binary Logistic Regression, this study also found that employed MSM who are living with HIV are less likely to access services from public institutions. In conclusion, significant socio-demographic and behavioral factors point out that MSM is prone to transmit and acquire the virus due to lack of knowledge and poor perception towards the disease. Thus, both private and public institutions need to educate both HIV-positive and HIV-free individuals about the risk of the disease.