Association between participation in HIV stigma reduction program and HIV prevention awareness among men who have sex with men in Mongolia

In 2024, we conducted a study to evaluate the effectiveness of a Mongolian non-governmental organization (NGO) stigma reduction program, "We are Living Under the Same Sky" (LUSS), by assessing the association between the program and two human immunodeficiency virus prevention outcomes, recognition of the Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) and the need for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), in 223 men who have sex with men (MSM). Results showed that the LUSS program was associated with the recognition of U=U and PrEP need by Mongolian MSM. The recognition of U=U was associated with coming-out experience and marital status. LUSS was associated with the PrEP need, which, in turn, was associated with MSM who engaged in active sexual behaviors. The LUSS program has increased the recognition of U=U and PrEP need among MSM, and it can be incorporated into new prevention interventions targeting MSM. LUSS has the potential to effectively raise awareness among MSM and other populations such as youth, educators, and healthcare providers.