Socio-demographic and behavioral correlates for HIV and syphilis infections among migrant men who have sex with men in Beijing, China

Abstract

Migrant men who have sex with men (MSM) may be particularly vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV. This study examines the rates of HIV and syphilis infections and associated socio-demographic and behavioral factors among migrant MSM in China. Data from 307 migrant MSM were collected in Beijing, China. Blood specimens were collected to test for HIV and syphilis infections. HIV and syphilis rates were 5.9% and 20.2%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that having ever been married, living a longer period in Beijing, having more sexual partners, and having a foreign MSM friend were significantly associated with HIV infection. Migrating from a rural area, experiencing one's sexual debut at an older age, having a male as first sexual partner, having more sexual partners, and being recruited from peer outreach and social network were associated with syphilis infection. Migrant MSM in China are at high risk for HIV and syphilis infections. HIV prevention programs targeting rural migrant MSM who have been married are needed.

Keywords:

• China
• men who have sex with men
• HIV
• syphilis
• unprotected anal intercourse
• sexual partners

Acknowledgements

The research on which this article is based was supported by grants from the National Institute of Nursing Research and National Institute of Mental Health (R01NR10498). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institute of Nursing Research and National Institute of Mental Health. The authors want to thank Xiaoyi Fang, Xiuyun Lin, and other faculty and graduate students at Beijing Normal University School of Psychology for their participation in survey instrument development and field data collection.