Among Msm In Beijing Aids Epidemiological Studies

BackgroundHIV/AIDS is dramatically spreading among men who have sex with men (MSM) community at present. Despite conducting research for the MSM, the majority received only a few simple risk indicators, few studies provide detailed behavioral information. It is difficult to find a suitable sampling frame for MSM due to unclear population size and borders. Theory-based research can distinguish the behaviors lead to HIV transmission. Unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) is an important way for transmission of HIV among MSM. Social norms are generated in the process of interaction between members of the community. Few studies targeting social norms of the MSM community have been conducted in China and thus the corresponding intervention strategies have not been developed.Objective1 To understand the characteristic changes during recruitment by using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) among MSM in Beijing.2 To understand the prevalence of and factors associated with unprotected anal intercourse among MSM in Beijing.3 To assess HIV prevalence and associated behaviors and risk factors among MSM in Beijing.MethodsFive hundred MSM were recruited for a biological and behavioral survey using respondent driven sampling in 2009. Serological specimens were tested for markers of HIV and syphilis infection. A computer-assistant interviewer-administered questionnaire gathered information including demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, HIV testing and social norms concerning condom use. Variables were evaluated by using RDSAT and SAS software.ResultsAccording to the recruitment, seven was selected as seeds and 493 people were recruited. Recruitment was finished in 13 waves and an equilibrium of the main variables achieved in two to four waves.The prevalence of UAI was 42.0%. Significant bivariate predictors of UAI included the condom use social norms score, role for anal sex with male sex partner, number of male sexual partners in the past 6 months and amount of alcohol consumed. In multivariable analysis, UAI was associated with a higher condom use social norms score (AOR 1.2,95%CI 1.1-1.3), receptive anal intercourse (AOR 2.0,95% CI 1.3-3.2) and drinking more than 3 times per month in past 12 months (AOR 1.6,95% CI 1.1-2.5)..The adjusted HIV prevalence was 8.0%, syphilis 22.0%. HIV testing and disclosure was low; only 39.3% had HIV tested in the past 12 months,49.7% knew their own HIV status and 22.8% knew their last male partner's HIV status. HIV infection was associated with syphilis, ever having sex with a woman, not knowing the HIV status of the most recent male partner and never buying condoms in the past 12 months. Stronger endorsement of positive social norms around condom use strongly and linearly predicted lower probability of HIV infection.ConclusionCompared to other sampling methods, it was easier to achieve equilibrium and stability for characteristics of samples by using RDS.The prevalence of UAI is high in Beijing, therefore great measures should be taken in the MSM community to make condom use a social norm and promote condom use. HIV continues to spread rapidly among Beijing's MSM. Our results identify points of intervention that, if addressed in time, may still alter the course of the epidemic including the promotion of HIV testing and partner disclosure, syphilis control, and particularly changing social norms around condom use.