New types of drug use and risks of drug use among men who have sex with men: a cross-sectional study in Hangzhou, China

Abstract

BackgroundThe use of new types of drugs has become more common among men who have sex with men (MSM). The aim of this study was to describe the patterns of the use of new types of drugs, such as methamphetamine, ketamine, ecstasy, and rush poppers, and to examine the factors associated with drug use and HIV infection among MSM in Hangzhou, China.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2015 and April 2016. We used snowball sampling to recruit MSM; participants were recruited from voluntary counseling and testing centers, baths, bars, Blued (an app for the gay community), QQ groups, clubs, and other types of venues. MSM were included if their previous HIV test results were negative or unknown, or they had not been tested for HIV. MSM were excluded if they were known to be HIV positive before the survey. Face-to-face questionnaires were conducted and a venous blood specimen was drawn from each participant following the interview.ResultsIn total, 555 MSM were included; 18.2% (101/555) of the participants had used new types of drugs in the past 3 months. Among the users, 65.3% used single-use rush poppers, while the remainder used ketamine, methamphetamine, ecstasy, or other mixed combinations of drugs. The HIV positivity rate was 14.8% (82/555). Factors associated with increased odds of using new types of drugs in the past 3 months were higher education levels (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 4.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.12–9.37), having multiple sexual partners (AOR 1.76, 95 CI 1.02–3.05), alcohol use before sexual intercourse (AOR 33.44, 95% CI 10.80–103.50), and seeing friends using new types of drugs.ConclusionWe revealed the widespread use of new types of drugs, as well as a high diagnosis rate of new HIV infection, among MSM in Hangzhou. The use of new types of drugs was associated with an increased number of sexual partners among MSM; the high-risk sexual behaviors increased the risk of HIV infection. Attention should be given to the use of new types of drugs in MSM, and supervision programs should be strengthened to combat drug use.

HIV Testing and Risks of Sexual Behavior among HIV-Negative Men Who Have Sex with Men in Ningbo, China

“…We found the awareness rate of AIDS knowledge (91.7%) among HIV-negative MSM was high, but the proportion of high-risk behaviors in the past three months was as high as 49.9%, which was lower than the rate revealed by Lin He and others who conducted a survey in Hangzhou in 2015-2016 [28]. Moreover, the proportion of high-risk homosexual behaviors (43.7%) was also lower than that in the results of US-based surveys [26,29].…”

HIV testing and risks of sexual behavior among HIV-negative men who have sex with men in Ningbo, China

“…We found the awareness rate of AIDS knowledge (91.7%) among HIV-negative MSM was high, but the proportion of high-risk behavior in the past three months was as high as 49.9%, which was lower than that rate of Lin He and others surveyed in Hangzhou in 2015-2016 [28]. Moreover, the proportion of high-risk homosexual behavior (43.7%) was also lower than the results of US surveys [26,29].…”

Association between Peer Education and HIV Testing Among Student MSM in China: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…According to this study, the prevalence of HIV infection among 17-24 years old student MSM in Tian, China was 5%,which is higher than previous study from 2003 to 2016 (5,18,19)but is consistent with report from UNAIDS about 16-24 years old YMSM in 2018 (4).There was no statistically signi cance for the HIV prevalence between student MSM who had tested and who not(5.4%VS4.6%).A higher rate of recreational drug use(44.8%VS30.3%) among student MSM who had tested was found. This might be explained by the association between recreational drug use and high-risky sexual behaviors and STD infection (20)(21)(22)(23). Risky behaviors and status may put students on HIV testing.…”