AIDSImpact.com:: - Santa Fe, USA 2011

Abstract #247 - HIV risk among migrant men who have sex with men (MSM) in China: Does it differ by sexual orientation, origin of residence and venue of employment?
Authors: Presenting Author: Dr. Xiaoming Li - Wayne State University School of Medicine
Additional Authors: Dr. Bo Wang, Dr. Bonita Stanton, Dr. Lei Zhang, Dr. Mohammed Alhamadani,
Aim: 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, origin of residence and venue of employment in HIV risk among MSM.
Method / Issue: 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. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed.
Results / Comments: Approximately 60% of the MSM self-identified as gay. Nearly half grew up in rural areas. One-third worked at entertainment establishment, 45.6% at factories or construction sites, 22% were self-employed. The gay-identified MSM had a larger group of MSM friends and were more likely to have a male first sexual partner, while a higher proportion of non-gay identified MSM had more than three lifetime female sex partners. MSM who grew up in rural areas were more likely to be infected with syphilis than MSM grew up in urban areas (OR=2.56, 95%CI: 1.33-4.94). Self-employed MSM and MSM worked at entertainment establishments were more likely to have three or more sexual partners in the last week, and to sell sex to men. Higher proportion of MSM who worked at entertainment establishments used condoms consistently in anal sexual intercourse.
Discussion: MSM who grew up in rural areas or self-employed MSM and MSM who work at entertainment establishments are at increased risk for HIV/STI. Future HIV prevention efforts should target these subgroups of MSM.
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