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

Abstract

The dynamic nature of finding male sexual partners (sex-finding) among Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM) may play a substantial role in the HIV epidemic. We compared characteristics and behaviors of MSM who mostly sought sex via the Internet versus traditional venues in a cross-sectional survey among 3588 Chinese MSM. We assessed the sociodemographic predictors and compared high-risk behaviors of using Internet versus traditional venues for sex-finding. Compared to non-Internet MSM, Internet-user MSM were more likely to have been: younger, currently single, better educated, health-insured, with higher income, with Beijing residency ('Hukou'), living longer in the city, HIV-positive, ever using drug and engaging in condomless receptive anal sex. Internet sex-finding users were less likely to be sexually active for longer duration, drink alcohol, drink alcohol before sex, or ever have sex with women. Knowledge of differential characteristics of various sex-finding MSM can help design targeted interventions.

Subsequent Sexual Risks Among Men Who Have Sex with Men May Differ by Sex of First Partner and Age at Sexual Debut: A Cross-Sectional Study in Beijing, China

“…In contrast, men having their first sex with a woman presents higher predicted probability of syphilis across all ages of sexual debut. Compared to MSM having first sex with a man, these subgroups were more likely to seek sex via non-Internet venues and have increased recent or lifetime female sex partners, which might include syphilis-at-risk female sex workers, increasing their exposure to contract syphilis through unprotected virginal sex [24, 45, 46]. …”

“…Details of the parent trial design and study setting are described elsewhere [23, 24]. In short, we recruited 3760 self-reported HIV-uninfected or status unknown men between March 2013 and March 2014 via short message services, gay website-based advertisement, peer referral, outreach to gay-frequented venues and recruitment during their visit at our participating HIV hospitals/clinics.…”

“…for transportation costs. Detailed measures of the variables and laboratory techniques are documented elsewhere [23, 24, 26]. …”

Alcohol misuse, risky sexual behaviors, and HIV or syphilis infections among Chinese men who have sex with men

“…Second, modern bars/pubs are expanding in large Chinese cities; these venues are often frequented by gay men to socialize and seek sexual partners, and might be associated with increased concomitant alcohol consumption. (Li et al, 2012; Liu et al, 2016c). Third, the population of young migrant men is growing and they are more inclined to engage in harmful drinking (Li et al, 2014).…”

“…The details of the parent trial are described elsewhere (Liu et al, 2016b, 2016c). In short, 3,760 HIV-negative and status-unknown MSM were recruited in Phase I for a baseline survey and HIV and syphilis testing via short message service, website advertisement, gay-frequented venues outreach, peer referral, and self-participation.…”