Sexual mixing patterns among social networks of HIV-infected Beijing men who have sex with men: A sociocentric study

Objectives: To describe sexual mixing patterns among Beijing men who have sex with men (MSM) and sexual behavior differences between social networks (SN) of HIV-positive and HIV negative MSM.

Methods: Twenty-two MSM SN were recruited through two-stage cross-sectional convenience sampling. Twenty-two first-stage recruits, 11 HIV-negative MSM matched with 11 HIV-positive MSM based on age, race, education, and residency, were sampled from a longitudinal study. 111 second-stage recruits, MSM social contacts of first-stage recruits, were sampled at first-stage recruits' discretion. SN were defined as a first-stage recruit and their social contacts. Each SN convened and completed surveys concerning personal sexual behavior and their relationships with other SN members. Individual and network differences were assessed with Chi-square tests and bootstrap t-tests, respectively. Associations between dyad characteristics and sexual partnerships were assessed with logistic regressions.

Results: Likelihood of sexual partnerships among MSM social dyads was independent of age disparity (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: 1.47, 0.70 to 3.09) and residency status (1.56,0.80 to 3.04). Likelihood of sexual partnerships was higher among MSM social dyads where both lacked college education (3.90, 1.76 to 8.62) and where both engaged in group sex (4.13, 1.74 to 9.81). Compared to SN members of HIV-positive MSM, SN members of HIV-negative MSM were likelier to disclose ‘homosexual' identity (p=0.01) and had wider age ranges (p=0.05). Overall, HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM SN differed little.

Conclusion: Sexual mixing patterns are potentially fueling HIV transmission and complicating prevention efforts. SN-based strategies should be developed to supplement China's existing MSM programs.