HIV risks among gay- and non-gay identified migrant men who have sex with men in Beijing, China

Background and objective: China's HIV epidemic has been shifting towards predominantly sexual transmission and emerging data suggest potential increases in HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM). Few studies have examined possible effects of sexual orientation on HIV and sexual risks and yielded inconsistent results.

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 the association of sexual orientation with socio-demographic, behavioral, and psychological factors.

Results: Approximately 60% of MSM self-identified as gay. Results reveal gay- and non-gay identified migrant MSM were not significantly different in education, marital status, income, hometown, and living arrangement. No differences were found in total number of sexual partners, condom use, and HIV and syphilis infections. Both groups also shared similar patterns of substance use. Compared to the non-gay identified MSM, the gay-identified MSM were older, had sex debut at an older age, had a larger group of MSM friends, and were more likely to have a male first sexual partner. A higher proportion of non-gay identified MSM had more than three lifetime female sex partners than gay identified MSM.

Conclusion: Both gay- and non-gay identified migrant MSM engage in similar HIV risk behaviors. An in-depth examination of the possible effects of sexual orientation on HIV and sexual risk is needed.