224879 HIV & syphilis prevalence and socio-demographic and behavioral correlates among migrant men who have sex with men (MSM) in Beijing, China

Monday, November 8, 2010

Bo Wang, PhD , Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
Xiaoming Li, PhD , Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
Bonita Stanton, MD , Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
Barry Mullins, MPH , Department of Community Health Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS
Vafa Kamali, PhD , University Research Centers and Institutes, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS
Xiaoyi Fang, PhD , Institute of Developmental Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
Leandro Mena, MD, MPH , Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
Background and objective: Sexual transmission has become the dominant mode of HIV transmission in China. The proportion of MSM among newly reported cases has increased dramatically in recent years. The information on HIV/STI prevalence and associated risk behaviors among Chinese MSM is crucial to inform HIV prevention interventions for this population.

Methods: A community sample of 307 migrant MSM 18-29 years of age was recruited in Beijing, China. Self-administered survey was conducted to collect information on demographics, sexual and other risk behaviors. Blood specimens were collected to test for HIV and syphilis infections. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to examine socio-demographic, behavioral, and psychological factors that are associated with HIV and syphilis infections.

Results: HIV and syphilis prevalence rates were 5.9% and 20.2%, respectively. The median number of lifetime male sexual partners was 15. More than half of the participants had unprotected anal intercourse in lifetime and 46% reported having sex with women. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that ever being married, longer period in Beijing, more sex partners, and having a foreigner MSM friend were significantly associated with HIV prevalence. Higher education, migrated from rural area, having sex debut at an older age, having first sexual intercourse with a male partner, and more lifetime sexual partners were associated with syphilis infection. Conclusions: Chinese MSM are at high risk for HIV infection and potential transmission of HIV to the general population. Condom promotion and STI prevention should be intensified to combat the rising HIV epidemic among MSM in China.

Learning Areas:
Epidemiology
Protection of the public in relation to communicable diseases including prevention or control
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
By the end of the session, participants will be able to: 1) Describe pattern of sexual risk behaviors and HIV and syphilis infections among migrant MSM in Beijing, China. 2) Learn about socio-demographic, behavioral, psychological risk factors for HIV and syphilis infections among migrant MSM in Beijing, China. 3) Recognize the importance of condom promotion and STI prevention in HIV prevention interventions among MSM in China.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Sexual Risk Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to present because I was fully involved in the study design, data analysis, and manuscript writing.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 3268.0: HIV/AIDS Across Cultures: Transformations and Transgressions