High incidence of HIV and syphilis among migrant men who have sex with men in Beijing, China: a prospective cohort study

Abstract

ObjectivesThe purpose of the study was to investigate the incidence of HIV and syphilis and their related factors, as well as to examine the predictors associated with seroconversion among migrant men who have sex with men (MSM) in Beijing, China.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingBeijing, China.Participants511 HIV-negative migrant MSM.Primary and secondary outcome measuresSociodemographic and behavioural information of participants, HIV and syphilis incidence rates, and factors associated with HIV/syphilis seroconversion and cohort retention.ResultsOf the 511 participants, 60.3% (308) and 52.4% (273) were retained at the 4- and 8-month follow-up visits, respectively. The HIV and syphilis incidence rates were 7.83 (95% CI 4.48 to 12.72) and 11.11 (95% CI 6.47 to 17.80) per 100 person-years, respectively. HIV seroconversion was significantly associated with ‘had first anal intercourse at age 15 or younger’ (adjusted HR (aHR) 9.20, 95% CI 1.94 to 43.56) and ‘ever had group sex’ (aHR 4.30, 95% CI 1.40 to 13.18). Bisexual orientation (aHR 5.09, 95% CI 1.02 to 25.57) was significantly associated with syphilis seroconversion. Predictors associated with both 4- and 8-month retention rates included age ≥25 years old and living in Beijing for more than 1 year.ConclusionsThe high incidence of HIV and syphilis among migrant MSM is a cause for concern. A comprehensive strategy should be implemented to maintain a higher retention rate among migrant MSM.

Being a homosexual to bisexual: Overlapping sexual risks among men who have sex with men as well as women in South Asian countries

“…Migrant MSM are less empowered at the place of destination in comparison to their non-migrant counterpart, which may be reason behind low prevalence of condom use in case of sex with females. A similar finding was observed in a study in China, where major reasons for such a finding could be that migrants MSM, who had sex with females, may have more varied sexual behaviors with a wider range of sexual partners among both males and females [13]. Further, a cross-sectional study among migrant MSM in Beijing revealed that MSM who were involved in bisexual behavior had a higher proportion of unsafe sex with stable female partners and were less likely to take a part in preventive behaviors [14].…”

Seeking Male Sexual Partners via Internet and Traditional Venues among Chinese Men Who Have Sex with Men: Implications for HIV Risk Reduction Interventions

“…In contrast, the MSM in our study living in Beijing for fewer years or without Beijing 'Hukou' were more likely to frequent non- † Includes: beach, woods, street, theater, public transportation, hotel and private homes Internet venues. This subgroup might include a majority of transient workers (migrants) from village/township/country level cities to large cities for better employment opportunities and living condition [44,45]. These marginal population might be less educated and faced financial constraints [44], both barriers to the conduct of online sexfinding.…”

Frequent HIV Testing: Impact on HIV Risk Among Chinese Men Who Have Sex with Men

“…Large numbers of single men increase the possibility of HIV spread due to male-male sexual activity or sexual contact with sex workers. 52 …”