Search

Background: High-risk sexual behaviors drive the HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM). Alcohol consumption and use of club drugs may increase sexual risk behaviors. We evaluated effects of drug and alcohol use on sexual behaviors with both their male and female partners as well as on HIV and syphilis infections among MSM in China. Methods: As the part of a community randomized clinical trial that conducted among MSM in Beijing from 2013 to 2015, we recruited a total of 3,680 participants cross-sectionally. A self-administered questionnaire was employed to collect information regarding demographics, sexual behaviors, and a history of alcohol and drug use. Blood sample was collected for HIV and syphilis testing. Results: A total of 3,588 MSM completed the survey and were included in the data analysis. The mean age was 29.9 with 97.3% of Han-ethnicity and 85.0% unmarried. The HIV and syphilis prevalence was 12.7% and 7.4%, respectively. Drug use was significantly associated with higher odds of HIV infection (aOR = 1.3, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.0,1.6), but not associated with syphilis. A higher level of alcohol consumption was similarly associated with higher odds of HIV risks with both male (e.g., condomless sex acts) and female partners (e.g., numbers of sexual partners). Conclusion: The association between drug and alcohol use and high-risk behaviors is notable among MSM in China. Integrated HIV interventions that target substance use among MSM may be more effective than programs that only target HIV alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study explores patterns of drug use and related correlates among a sample of men who have sex with men (MSM) and men who sell sex to other men (aka 'money boys') in China. Objectives: Data were collected from MSM and money boys (MBs) in Shanghai, China using a Community Popular Opinion Leader (CPOL) research design with a self-administered cross-sectional survey to: (1) describe drug use and drug use correlates and (2) examine relationships between drug use and sexual behaviors in general MSM and MBs. Methods: The sample consisted of 402 MSM (203 MBs) who live in Shanghai, China. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were used to explore associations between drug use and sexual behaviors and make comparisons between MBs and general MSM. Results: MBs reported using more drugs in the last week, 3 months and ever; sex after using drugs, and unprotected sex after using drugs more frequently than general MSM. Additionally, many MBs reported receiving free drugs from their clients and those who did receive free drugs were very likely to report having unprotected sex. Conclusions: It is crucial to increase research and include Chinese MSM and their drug use in the Chinese policy conversation. These data suggest that drug use and sexual behaviors after drug use among Chinese MSM differ widely based upon selling sex and separate intervention strategies may be appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]