Study On Condom Use And Demand Among Msm

Background:MSM have now become HIV high-risk group with the the fastest growing HIV infection rate among all risk groups in China. Proper condom use can effectively block the spread of HIV through sexual contact, however little is known about condom use in different MSM sub-groups (using Internet and access to sites). The Internet has become an important platform for communication between MSM, however the feasibility of conducting research using the internet to recruit participants in China has not yet been adequately defined.Objective:1) to explore the feasibility of using the internet to survey MSM; 2) to understand the condom use and factors influencing use among different MSM sub-groups; and 3) to understand MSM condom prodict preferences in order to improve condom promotion.Methods:A quantitative survey was conducted with two recruitment methods,1) MSM were recruited in traditional venues such as bars, parks and public bathrooms with the assistance of local volunteer groups in Tianjin, Chongqing, Shanghai and Guangzhou; and 2) MSM internet users of 5 major MSM websites were surveyed online over a 4 week period. The questionnaire given to both groups covered socio-demographic characteristics, high-risk sexual behaviors, condom use, HIV testing history and condom and lubricants product preferences. Data analysis used SAS9.0 for descriptive analysis, single-factor analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results:3,488 valid questionnaires were submitted via the internet and 394 valid questionnaires were collected from face-to-face interviews. The questionnaires presented to both samples were identical.1. Feasibility of the Internet for surveying MSM: Use the Internet survey method in one and a half months, through 5 major MSM websites,we got 3488 valid questionnaires, the response rate was 92.89%, IP address appears the survey covered 29 provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions). In sensitive questions such as anal condom use, the response rate was 100%. Internet survey show 26-35 years of age-based, with an average age higher than the on-site investigations, education level than junior college accounted for 80.57%, higher than the on-site investigations; Internet survey show the employment of the cadre/staff ratio and the monthly income of more than 3,000 yuan higher than on-site investigations.2. Condom use rate and factors influencing condom use: Condom use in oral and anal sex is low for non-commercial sex. Average condom use rate for anal sex in last sex was 65.29%for the online sample and 72.57%for the offline sample, and for the last 3 months was 40.24%(online sample) and 35.88% (offline sample). The main reasons for non-condom use were "partner does like using them ", "there is no risk ", "did not have a condom with me at that moment", and "I was with my primary partners". Condom use in commercial sex is relatively high. Average condom use for last anal commercial sex was 85.24%for the online sample and 84.38%for the offline sample, and for the last 3 months was 65.28%(online) and 50.83%(offline). Reasons for non-condom use were "lack of excitement", "partner does not like using them" and "did not have a condom with me at that moment". The online sample reported condom use in last 3 months was influenced by salary status, history of HIV testing, condom use in the first sex, and preference for ejaculation in body. The offline sample reported condom use in the last 3 months was influenced by history of HIV testing.3. Condom and lubricant product preferences:The most common places to purchase condoms were supermarkets and pharmacies. No especial preference for number of condoms per pack were found, however a price preference per pack of RMB 10-30 was found.Condom product preferences for anal sex were enough lubricant and the thinner the better. A preference for a variety of condom sizes and flavors was expressed. No demand for color was found.50%of MSM indicated HIV/AIDS information on condom packaging was acceptable.More than half of MSM reported no loyalty to a certain brand of condom, the important factor was product quality.More than 80%of free condom Satisfaction were of Durex, Jibson and Okamoto.80.26%of MSM prefer condom with a water-soluble lubricant. For lunricant use they use 8-10 grams per use. Lubricant viscosity preference varies.Most commonly used lubricant brands are Johnson& Johnson (KY), Durex, Jissbon and Times of Tenderness. MSM reported using a larger proportion of free condoms compared to compdoms they had purchased.Conclusions:1. Using the internet to survey MSM resulted in wide coverage, a high response rate for sensitive issues and time-sensitive to meet the MSM Features. Using the internet to survey MSM is feasible.2. Condom use among MSM remains low.3. From the perspective of control strategies, increase coverage of HIV testing and safe sex education among young people increased condom use rate to improve the first time MSM's condom use rate are all useful.4. Condom quality is the most important product feature. For condoms to be used during anal sex, sufficient lubricant, condom thinness, and a variety of sizes and flavors to choose from are important.