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Introduction: The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) updated the 95‐95‐95 targets for the HIV endgame in 2030. To achieve the first target in a timely manner, we investigate the optimized strategy of resource allocation to maximize timely HIV diagnosis in 14 populations in China. Methods: We developed a mathematical model by integrating epidemiological, demographical and behavioural data from 12 high‐risk and two general populations to evaluate the impact of various resource allocation strategies of HIV testing on HIV incidence in China. We identified the optimized allocation strategy that maximizes the number of HIV diagnoses at an estimated total spending on HIV tests in China and calculated the per‐capita cost of new HIV case detection. Results: We estimated that 144,795 new HIV cases may occur annually in 14 populations in China, with a total annual spending of US$2.8 billion on HIV testing. The largest proportion of spending was allocated to general males (44.0%), followed by general females (42.6%) and pregnant women (5.1%). Despite this allocation strategy, only 45.5% (65,867/144,795, timely diagnosis rate) of annual new infections were diagnosed within a year of acquisition, with a cost of $42,852 required for each new HIV case detection. By optimizing the allocation of HIV testing resources within the same spending amount, we found that general females received the highest proportion of spending allocation (45.1%), followed by low‐risk men who have sex with men (13.9%) and pregnant women (8.4%). In contrast, the proportion of spending allocation for the general males decreased to 0.2%. With this optimized strategy, we estimated that 120,755 (83.4%) of annual new infections would be diagnosed within a year of acquisition, with the cost required for one HIV case detection reduced to $23,364/case. Further spending increases could allow for significant increases in HIV testing among lower‐risk populations. Conclusions: Optimizing resource allocation for HIV testing in high‐risk populations would improve HIV timely diagnosis rate of new infections and reduce cost per HIV case detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondary distribution of HIV self-testing (HIVST) among individual social networks was an effective approach to expanding HIV testing among men who have sex with men (MSM). However, understanding the factors associated with first-time HIV testing behaviors in the secondary distribution of HIVST programs is limited. Hence, this study aims to identify factors related to first-time testers in the secondary distribution of HIVST. Participants were recruited from five provinces in southern China through Blued, a geo-social gay networking app in China from January 2021 to December 2021. Eligible consented participants (referred to as "seeds") finished a baseline survey and then applied for up to five HIVST kits. They were encouraged to distribute HIVST kits to other MSM (referred to as "alters") and alters were encouraged to scan a QR code to return their photographed testing results. All alters were invited to finish an online survey. In total, 229 seeds reached 292 alters, among whom 126 (43.2%) were first-time testers whereas 166 (56.8%) were non-first-time testers. Importantly, our results demonstrated that the first-time HIV testers were more likely to self-report as heterosexual (aOR = 4.88, 95% CI 1.01–23.61), disclose sexual orientation and/or SSB (aOR = 1.73, 95% CI 1.01–2.96), and receive HIVST knowledge from the seeds (aOR = 3.25, 95% CI 1.02–10.34). However, those who had sex with male partners in the last three months were less likely to be first-time testers (aOR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.23–0.82). Practical implications and limitations were also discussed to improve future HIV prevention programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chinese Center for Disease Control employs Community-Based Organizations (CBO) to conduct mass testing on "hidden" Men who have Sex with Men (MSM). Testing MSMs is intended to make risky bodies legible to the state and discipline the CBOs around narrow health goals. However, detailed ethnographic fieldwork with MSM CBOs in southwest China demonstrates that pressures to achieve HIV testing quotas produce the need to "water-down" or manipulate data. This distorts the identities and practices of MSMs from state surveillance and builds collusive partnerships between CBOs and low-level government officials to mitigate the disciplinary impacts of strict audits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HIV prevalence has increased continuously, and the age groups most afflicted by the epidemic have also shifted to people aged above 50 years. Informed by the theory of HBM, we aimed to investigate related factors associated with regular HIV testing behavior. Cross-sectional data were collected using online questionnaire from geosocial networking (GSN) mobile application (apps) for MSM during May 2020 (N = 1259). Data were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Around 62.0% (n = 781) had received HIV testing before. Participants being divorced/widowed (AOR = 1.5,95%CI:1.1–2.0), being aware of HIV/AIDS-related knowledge (AOR = 1.8,95%CI:1.4–2.3), having disclosed sexual orientation (AOR = 1.9,95%CI:1.5–2.5), ever had sexually transmitted infections symptoms (STIs)before (AOR = 2.4,95%CI:1.8–3.2), having had≥2 sexual partners (AOR = 1.8,95%CI:1.4–2.3) and with high self-efficacy (AOR = 1.1,95%CI:1.0–1.1) were more likely to receive HIV testing. Findings suggest that many Chinses MSM aged 50 and above have not been tested for HIV. Interventions for promoting HIV testing should focus on expanding scales of HIV/STIs screening, providing HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, creating a more supportive social environment and improving self-efficacy of HIV testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has created additional barriers to accessing sexual health services among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in China. Yet, little is known about the frequency of HIV testing and how GBMSM get tested during the pandemic. We surveyed an online sample of GBMSM recruited on a gay networking app in China. Among 956 sexually active, 70.1% had received an HIV test in the past 6 months. Among these, 61.0% reported having undergone HIV self-testing (HIVST). Young GBMSM aged 18–24 years old were more likely to receive a recent HIV test, and the number of sexual partners was associated with recent HIV testing [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.14, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03–1.20]. Among those who had a recent HIV test, young GBMSM and those who had anal sex with both main partner and casual partners were more likely to utilize HIVST (AOR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.16–2.84), as well as GBMSM who did not use a condom the last time engaged in anal sex (AOR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.06–2.34). Among GBMSM never tested for HIV, a majority perceived low risk of HIV, while some suggested that they did not know where to get tested or they were scared of finding out they had HIV. HIVST has the potential to fill the gap in HIV testing among Chinese GBMSM, and future HIV testing programs should emphasize HIV education, accurate information dissertation, and timely point-to-care services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) are increasingly using the internet to meet casual sexual partners. Those who do are at higher risk of sexually transmitted diseases. However, little is known about the rates and associations of frequent HIV testing and self-testing among such MSM., Objective: We aimed to examine HIV serostatus communication and perceptions regarding the HIV infection risk of internet-based partners, along with their associations with frequent HIV testing and self-testing., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between May 2018 and April 2019 in Zhejiang Province, China. The study participants were assigned male at birth, were aged 18 years or older, had had casual sex with another male found through the internet in the last 6 months, and were HIV-negative. Information was obtained on HIV-testing behavior, along with demographic characteristics, HIV-related knowledge, internet-based behaviors, sexual behaviors with male partners, HIV serostatus communication, and perceptions regarding the HIV infection risk of internet-based partners. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression models were used to measure the associations of HIV testing and self-testing., Results: The study recruited 281 individuals who had sought casual sexual partners through the internet during the previous 6 months. Of the participants, 61.9% (174/281) reported frequent HIV testing (twice or more frequently) and 50.9% (119/234; 47 with missing values) reported frequent HIV self-testing. MSM who always or usually communicated about the HIV serostatus of internet-based partners in the previous 6 months had 3.12 (95% CI 1.76-5.52) and 2.45 (95% CI 1.42-4.22) times higher odds of being frequently tested or self-tested for HIV, respectively, compared with those who communicated about this issue minimally or not at all., Conclusions: There remains a need to improve the frequency of HIV testing and self-testing among internet-based MSM. HIV serostatus communication should be improved within the context of social networking applications to promote frequent HIV testing among internet-based MSM, especially for those who communicated about this issue minimally or not at all., (©Wanjun Chen, Lin Chen, Zhikan Ni, Lin He, Xiaohong Pan. Originally published in JMIR Formative Research (https://formative.jmir.org), 14.11.2024.)

This study examined the prevalence of HIV late diagnosis (LD) and identified associated factors with LD among people living with HIV (PLWH). We extracted sociodemographic, epidemiological, and immunological information between 2018 and 2021 in Hunan, China from the HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Response Information Management System of China. The chi-squared test and multivariable logistic regression model were used to identify the factors associated with LD. Among 22,504 PLWH, 14,988 (66.6%) were diagnosed late. PLWH aged 50 and older had a higher proportion of LD (71.2%) than the younger group (60.0%). Older age, being male, Han ethnicity, being registered in Western Hunan, being transferred from health facilities, and being infected through heterosexual intercourse were associated with LD. Among PLWH younger than 50 years, apart from the factors mentioned above, individuals who had primary school or lower education, were non-student, and were divorced or widowed were more likely to be diagnosed late. Unlike younger PLWH, these factors were not associated with LD in the older group. But regional disparities in LD were more significant among them. LD in PLWH remains a severe issue, especially among older people. The study findings provided valuable insights into designing programs targeting groups at higher risk of LD to reduce its prevalence., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Objective: Since negative emotions were identified as barriers to HIV self-testing (HIVST), offering emotional support may promote this behavior. This study examined whether the socio-affective and reappraisal components of emotional support messages differ in affecting one's attitude towards and intention to conduct HIVST via response efficacy and self-efficacy., Method: A between-subject online experiment was conducted with 309 Chinese men who have sex with men. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: no support, only reappraisal information, socio-affective and reappraisal information both provided., Results: Emotional support only worked for those completing HIVST in recent three months. The reappraisal information enhanced their response efficacy and self-efficacy, but only self-efficacy was positively related to one's attitude towards and intention to conduct HIVST. The message including socio-affective and reappraisal components directly improved their HIVST-related attitudes., Conclusion: Emotional support presents an approach to promoting HIVST. The socio-affective and reappraisal information function differently on their response efficacy, self-efficacy, attitude, and intention., Practice Implications: This study provides implications on how to design messages promoting HIVST for health campaigns and AI-based healthcare technologies. Reappraisal information should be offered to enhance one's response efficacy and self-efficacy. Messages should address both socio-affective and reappraisal needs of individuals., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest None., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Accumulating evidence suggests that there may be differences in sexual behaviors, condom use, and HIV prevention service utilization (e.g., HIV testing, PrEP use) between gay and bisexual men, but this remains under-explored, especially among gay and bisexual men in China. Methods: We surveyed 4,142 gay and bisexual men on a geosocial networking app in China. Results: In adjusted model, bisexual men were less likely to have received HIV testing in their lifetime (AOR =.62, 95% CI [.53,.72]) or to have received a recent HIV test (AOR =.78, 95% CI [.68,.90]). Conversely, among those who reported having had anal sex in the past six months, bisexual men were more likely to report consistent condom use than gay men (OR = 1.38, 95% CI [1.17, 1.62]). Compared with gay men, bisexual men were significantly less likely to be aware of PrEP (AOR =.62, 95% CI [.52,.74]) and significantly less willing to use PrEP (AOR =.58, 95% CI [.46,.73]). Conclusions: Tailored HIV prevention interventions are needed to address bisexual men's needs in the context of the unique sociocultural influences on sexual behavior in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to explore how peer education influences men who have sex with men (MSM) to accompany friends to test and then affects their own testing, and to reveal the internal mechanism of peer education influencing HIV testing. A cross-sectional study among MSM in 11 cities in Shandong province, China was conducted to collect information on demographic characteristics, behavior, HIV-related knowledge, HIV testing history, and use of prevention services. Blood samples were tested for HIV status. Logistic regression was used for univariate and multivariate analyses, and R Mediation package was used for mediating effect analysis. Of 4,005 participants, 66.8% (2,674/4,005) had HIV testing in the last year, 50.6% (2,026/4,004) accompanied a friend for HIV testing, and 65.3% (2,614/4,005) received peer education in the last year. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, MSM who had anal sex with men in the past six months (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.772, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.438, 2.182]), had used drugs (AOR = 2.762, 95% CI = [2.264, 3.368]), received peer education in the past year (AOR = 2.412, 95% CI = [2.081, 2.796]), and accompanied a friend for testing in the past year (AOR = 3.077, 95% CI = [2.653, 3.569]) were more likely to take HIV testing. Receiving peer education in the past year could influence their own HIV testing in the past year by affecting their accompanying one's friends to take the test in the past year (a*b = 0.889, 95% CI = [0.733, 1.053]). Peer education not only had a direct effect on HIV testing but also had an indirect effect on HIV testing by influencing accompanying friends for testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Regular HIV testing is the best way to detect people living with HIV promptly, yet not much is known about the characteristics of frequent, voluntary testers. This study explores factors related to HIV testing frequency among five key populations in China including men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSWs), people who use drugs (PWUD), men who have casual sex with women (MCSW) and sero-negative partners among sero-discordant couples (SNPs).Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in ten cities of China from November 2018 to September 2019 using convenience sampling to recruit participants. Univariate and multivariate partial proportional odds models were adopted to compare socio-behavioral factors associated with HIV testing frequencies among the five key populations.Results: Among the 2022 recruited participants, 36.6% reported not testing for HIV in the past year, whereas 37.0% tested once and 26.4% tested twice. Compared with MSM, FSWs (AOR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.36-2.86) and SNPs (AOR = 3.63, 95% CI: 2.40-5.49) were more likely to test for HIV, but MCSW (AOR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.17-0.32) were less likely. Additionally, SNPs (AOR = 4.02, 95% CI: 2.78-5.83) were more likely to be frequent HIV testers, while FSWs (AOR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.32-0.76) and MCSW (AOR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.20-0.41) were less likely to be frequent testers. Factors identified as barriers to HIV testing include the following: higher education level and > 5000 CNY monthly income for FSWs; elder age and a married/cohabitating status for PWUD; reported alcohol use for MCSW; and non-Han ethnicity and non-local household for SNPs. Facilitators to frequent testing included the following: higher education level for MSM and SNPs; higher AIDS knowledge score for MSM and PWUD; > 5000 CNY monthly income for FSWs and PWUD; and reporting high-risk sexual behaviors for MSM, FSW and PWUD.Conclusions: HIV testing frequencies and associated factors were not equivalent across the five key populations in China. Public health officials should take heed of the identified high-risk populations reporting high testing rates, perhaps with intensive and tailored behavioral interventions or biochemical prophylaxis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to determine whether the disclosure of same-sex behavior to health care providers (HCPs) is associated with higher rates of prior human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing experience and greater awareness of immediate antiretroviral therapy (ART), Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U), and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among men who have sex with men (MSM).Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 689 adult males in Chengdu, China who self-reported having had anal intercourse with at least one man in the past 6 months. We measured same-sex behavior disclosure to three types of HCPs (hospital clinicians, community-based organization peer educators, and Center for Disease Control and Prevention public health specialists), and the awareness of immediate ART, U=U, and PrEP.Results: Of the 689 enrolled participants, 31.4% had disclosed their same-sex behavior to some or all of the clinicians, 83.9% had done so to the peer educators, and 56.8% had done so to the public health specialists. Approximately four in five (82.1%) of the participants had ever been tested for HIV. The awareness rate was 84.8% for immediate ART, 20.2% for U=U, and 50.7% for PrEP. After controlling for significant background variables, same-sex behavior disclosure to clinicians was associated with greater awareness of PrEP (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-2.48), but similar findings were not reported regarding disclosure to peer educators or public health specialist. Same-sex behavior disclosure to any types of HCPs was not associated with HIV testing experience, and awareness of immediate ART or U=U.Conclusions: The rates of same-sex behavior disclosure varied with different types of HCPs. Disclosure to clinicians was associated with greater awareness of PrEP, but not awareness of immediate ART or U=U. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Associations between perceived and actual risk of HIV infection and HIV prevention services uptake are inconclusive. This study aimed to evaluate the discrepancy between the perceived and actual HIV risk, and quantify the associations between perceived and actual risk of HIV infection and three HIV prevention services utilization among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Shandong province, China., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Shandong province in June 2021. Participants were eligible if they were born biologically male, aged 18 years or older, had negative or unknown HIV status, and had sex with men in the past year. Participants were recruited online. The discrepancy between their perceived and actual risk of HIV infection was evaluated by calculating the Kappa value. Bayesian model averaging was used to assess the associations between perceived and actual risk of HIV infection and HIV prevention services uptake., Results: A total of 1136 MSM were recruited, most of them were 30 years old or younger (59.9%), single (79.5%), with at least college education level (74.7%). Most participants (97.4%) perceived that they had low risk of HIV infection, and 14.1% were assessed with high actual risk. The discrepancy between their perceived and actual risk of HIV infection was evaluated with a Kappa value of 0.076 (P < 0.001). HIV testing uptake had a weak association with perceived high HIV prevalence among social networks (aOR = 1.156, post probability = 0.547). The perceived high HIV prevalence among national MSM was positive related to willingness to use PrEP (aOR = 1.903, post probability = 0.943) and PEP (aOR = 1.737, post probability = 0.829). Perceived personal risk (aOR = 4.486, post probability = 0.994) and perceived HIV prevalence among social networks (aOR = 1.280, post probability = 0.572) were related to history of using PrEP. Perceived personal risk (aOR = 3.144, post probability = 0.952), actual risk (aOR = 1.890, post probability = 0.950), and perceived risk among social networks (aOR = 1.502, post probability = 0.786) were related to history of using PEP., Conclusions: There is discordance between perceived and actual personal risk of HIV infection among MSM in China. HIV risk assessment and education on HIV prevalence among MSM should be strengthened to assist high-risk populations aware their risk accurately and hence access HIV prevention services proactively., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Peer education and HIV risk perception are related to HIV testing uptake among key populations. We aimed to examine the association between peer education, HIV risk perception, and HIV testing uptake, as well as to evaluate the mediated effect of HIV risk perception in the relationship between peer education and HIV testing uptake. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 1188 HIV-uninfected or unknown participants from populations of men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSWs), and drug users (DUs) in seven cities of China. Partial correlation analysis and regression analysis were employed to examine the associations among peer education, HIV risk perception, and HIV testing uptake. Mediation analysis was conducted to assess whether HIV risk perception mediated the hypothesized association. Results: Receiving peer education was associated with higher odds of HIV testing uptake among MSM, FSWs and DUs. Perceiving risk of HIV infection was associated with higher odds of HIV testing uptake among MSM and DUs. Among MSM, the relationship between peer education and HIV testing uptake was mediated by moderate risk perception of HIV (indirect effect: 0.53, 95% CI 0.07 to 1.21), and by high risk perception of HIV (indirect effect: 0.50, 95% CI 0.01 to 1.17). Among DUs, the relationship between peer education and HIV testing uptake was mediated by moderate risk perception of HIV (indirect effect: 1.80, 95% CI 0.57 to 3.45). Conclusions: Participants who received peer education tended to perceive their risk of HIV infection, which in turn was associated with increased HIV testing uptake among MSM and DUs. Therefore, in addition to peer education interventions, more report about HIV epidemic and risk assessment should also be scaled up to enhance HIV risk perception among key populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background HIV prevalence has been rapidly increasing among men who have sex with men (MSM) attending university in China, but HIV testing rates remain suboptimal. The factors associated with past HIV testing in this population in Beijing, China, were investigated.Methods: This study used data from the baseline survey of an HIV intervention clinical trial among MSM who did not have a history of a positive HIV diagnosis. This analysis focused on the HIV testing experience in a subgroup of university student MSM participants. Log-binomial models were used to evaluate factors associated with past HIV testing.Results: Of 375 university student MSM, the median age was 22 years; 89.3% were Han ethnic. Approximately half (50.4%, n = 189) had ever taken an HIV test before the survey. In a multivariable log-binomial model, older age (adjusted prevalence ratio (APR), 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.02-1.06), had first sexual intercourse at age <18 years (APR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.08-1.45) and knew someone living with HIV (APR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.07-1.61) were associated with a higher likelihood of past testing. Self-reported barriers to taking a test included perceived low HIV risk, fear of a positive diagnosis, did not know where to get tested and fear of discrimination. Facilitators included anonymity in taking a test, confidentiality of testing results and availability of home-based and rapid testing.Conclusions: The HIV testing rate among university student MSM was low. Interventions should be implemented to address structural, institutional and individual barriers to HIV testing in this vulnerable population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sexual health influencers (SHIs) are individuals actively sharing sexual health information with their peers, and they play an important role in promoting HIV care services, including the secondary distribution of HIV self-testing (SD-HIVST). Previous studies used a 6-item empirical leadership scale to identify SHIs. However, this approach may be biased as it does not consider individuals' social networks., Objective: This study used a quasi-experimental study design to evaluate how well a newly developed machine learning (ML) model identifies SHIs in promoting SD-HIVST compared to SHIs identified by a scale whose validity had been tested before., Methods: We recruited participants from BlueD, the largest social networking app for gay men in China. Based on their responses to the baseline survey, the ML model and scale were used to identify SHIs, respectively. This study consisted of 2 rounds, differing in the upper limit of the number of HIVST kits and peer-referral links that SHIs could order and distribute (first round ≤5 and second round ≤10). Consented SHIs could order multiple HIV self-testing (HIVST) kits and generate personalized peer-referral links through a web-based platform managed by a partnered gay-friendly community-based organization. SHIs were encouraged to share additional kits and peer-referral links with their social contacts (defined as "alters"). SHIs would receive US $3 incentives when their corresponding alters uploaded valid photographic testing results to the same platform. Our primary outcomes included (1) the number of alters who conducted HIVST in each group and (2) the number of newly tested alters who conducted HIVST in each. We used negative binomial regression to examine group differences during the first round (February-June 2021), the second round (June-November 2021), and the combined first and second rounds, respectively., Results: In January 2021, a total of 1828 men who have sex with men (MSM) completed the survey. Overall, 393 SHIs (scale=195 and ML model=198) agreed to participate in SD-HIVST. Among them, 229 SHIs (scale=116 and ML model=113) ordered HIVST on the web. Compared with the scale group, SHIs in the ML model group motivated more alters to conduct HIVST (mean difference [MD] 0.88, 95% CI 0.02-2.22; adjusted incidence risk ratio [aIRR] 1.77, 95% CI 1.07-2.95) when we combined the first and second rounds. Although the mean number of newly tested alters was slightly higher in the ML model group than in the scale group, the group difference was insignificant (MD 0.35, 95% CI -0.17 to -0.99; aIRR 1.49, 95% CI 0.74-3.02)., Conclusions: Among Chinese MSM, SHIs identified by the ML model can motivate more individuals to conduct HIVST than those identified by the scale. Future research can focus on how to adapt the ML model to encourage newly tested individuals to conduct HIVST., Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trials Registry ChiCTR2000039632; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojEN.html?proj=63068., International Registered Report Identifier (irrid): RR2-10.1186/s12889-021-11817-2., (©Yuxin Ni, Ying Lu, Fengshi Jing, Qianyun Wang, Yewei Xie, Xi He, Dan Wu, Rayner Kay Jin Tan, Joseph D Tucker, Xumeng Yan, Jason J Ong, Qingpeng Zhang, Hongbo Jiang, Wencan Dai, Liqun Huang, Wenhua Mei, Yi Zhou, Weiming Tang. Originally published in JMIR Public Health and Surveillance (https://publichealth.jmir.org), 24.04.2024.)

Objectives: To explore the barriers to early diagnosis of HIV infection and timely initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Methods: We assessed the annual number and proportion of ART‐naïve people living with HIV infection (PLWH) with severe immunosuppression in Shenzhen, China, from 2008 to 2019. Selected ART‐naïve PLWHs with severe immunosuppression who were seeking treatment for the first time in the hospital in 2019 were subjected to an in‐depth interview. Results: The proportion of severely immunosuppressed, ART‐naïve PLWH decreased from 36.73% in 2008 to 8.94% in 2015, and then plateaued at approximately 10% from 2015 to 2019. Overall, 55 patients, 70% of whom were men who had sex with men, participated in the qualitative interviews. Ten of them delayed treatment after diagnosis, with a median [interquartile range (IQR)] interval of 5.83 (3.98–8.54) years between diagnosis and ART. More than 80% of the patients reported casual sexual contact within a median period of 6 years and with a median (IQR) of nine (4–20) casual sex partners. The major barriers to HIV testing and diagnosis included lack of knowledge about HIV and high‐risk behaviours, low awareness about HIV testing, and resistance to HIV testing. The major barriers to ART initiation included lack of knowledge about the importance of ART and change of national ART eligibility policy, and HIV‐related stress. Conclusions: The number of PLWHs with severe immunosuppression who seek treatment remains high in Shenzhen, China. Thus, current HIV‐related care programmes targeting access to early diagnosis and treatment need to be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the high HIV incidence among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China, over half of MSM have never been tested for HIV before (MSMNT). Through a serial cross-sectional study from 2012 to 2016 in Shenyang, China, we studied 1036 MSMNT, and diagnosed 16.2% (168/1036) with HIV. The percentage of MSMNT who had condomless anal intercourse (CAI) in the past year increased from 42.1% (130/309) in 2012 to 63.4% (102/161) in 2016 (P < 0.001). 61.9% (104/168) of HIV-positive MSMNT had CAI and this percentage remained constant for the study period (P = 0.593). 53.3% (463/868) of HIV-negative MSMNT had CAI and this percentage significantly increased over the study period (P < 0.001). Encouraging HIV testing in this key subset through online HIV risk self-evaluation tools and HIV self-testing kits may help mitigate the overall MSM HIV incidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined sociodemographic and psychosocial factors associated with HIV testing patterns in the past 2 years among 492 HIV-negative men who have sex men (MSM) at an HIV testing center in Guangzhou, China. MSM who tested for HIV frequently were more likely to be older, reside in Guangzhou, and have higher monthly income. Compared with MSM who tested frequently, MSM who never tested were less likely to report that their sexual partner(s) had ever received HIV tests or that their good friends had ever received HIV tests, and were less likely to report having an HIV-positive gay friend or ever discussing HIV with sexual partners; they were more likely to report perceiving barriers to HIV testing. Compared with MSM who tested frequently, those who tested irregularly were less likely to report having HIV-positive gay friends or to disclose their sexual orientation to non-gay friends; reported greater barriers to HIV testing; and higher internalized homophobia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background This study was conducted to summarise the HIV epidemic, sexual behaviours and HIV testing among men who have sex with men (MSM) attending university in China.Methods: Five databases were searched for student MSM information in English and Chinese language publications. Meta-analyses were performed to calculate the pooled prevalence of HIV and syphilis, pooled mean age at first anal intercourse (AFAI) and the rate of other HIV-related behaviours among MSM attending university in China. Univariate meta-regression and subgroup analysis were conducted to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. Publication bias was measured using Egger's test.Results: Thirty-three articles representing 31 studies were included in the analysis. The pooled HIV prevalence was 4.1% (95% CI 3.1-5.0%). The estimated AFAI was 18.7 years, but 37.5% of students had their first anal intercourse before 18 years of age. Most (88.2%) had their first sexual intercourse with a male partner. Of the MSM attending university, 4.2% of MSM engaged in commercial sex (either selling or buying sex), 10.3% had ever engaged in group sex, 13.1% had had sex with a female partner in the past month and 10.1% had ever used drugs. Most (77.7%) sought sex partners via geosocial networking gay apps or the Internet, and 42.9% had ever tested for HIV. There was a tendency for an increase in lifetime HIV testing rate from 32% in 2005-07 to 53% in 2014-16.Conclusions: This review found high HIV prevalence, early AFAI and a high prevalence of sexual risk behaviours among MSM attending university in China. Interventions aimed at increasing HIV testing and reducing sexual risk behaviours are urgently needed among this young population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To find more effective test and intervention measures, and to achieve the first 90 of the 90–90–90 target, this study was conducted for the first time to develop and assess an innovative HIV anonymous urine test service-based vending machine and Internet at universities of China. From June to December 2016, 11 vending machines were placed in 7 pilot universities in Beijing, Sichuan, Yunnan and Heilongjiang provinces. A total of 957 HIV urine collection kits were dispensed free and also through vending machines and 378 (39.5%) urine samples were returned and 376 (99.5%) of them were qualified to be tested for HIV antibody in professional laboratories. Participants searched for confidential test results using an ID code online. Only seven (1.86%) urine samples were positive. Monitoring data showed 67.8% (255/376) participants searched for test results online, 72.2% of kits were purchased in dormitory buildings and 27.8% were purchased in teaching buildings and 88.9% were purchased between 21:00 and 24:00. In conclusion, this study analyzes the acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness of HIV testing and intervention service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study shows that there is a huge gap between young females' willingness and practice of accepting voluntary counselling and testing (VCT). Only 2.16% (894/41336) of the participants have had HIV/AIDS tests. The study identified age, education major, confidentiality, attitude, accuracy, self-assessment and expense as major factors associated with young female people's acceptance of VCT in China. Therefore, in order to promote HIV VCT among young females, it is necessary for future programs to be sensitive to the targeted population's needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite great efforts in HIV prevention worldwide, HIV testing uptake among men who have sex with men (MSM) remains suboptimal. The effectiveness of digital, crowdsourced, multilevel interventions in improving HIV testing is still unclear., Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a digital, crowdsourced, multilevel intervention in improving HIV testing uptake among MSM in China., Methods: We conducted a 2-arm cluster randomized controlled trial among MSM in 11 cities in Shandong province, China, from August 2019 to April 2020. Participants were men who were HIV seronegative or had unknown serum status, had anal sex with a man in the past 12 months, and had not been tested for HIV in the past 3 months. Participants were recruited through a gay dating app and community-based organizations from preselected cities; these cities were matched into 5 blocks (2 clusters per block) and further randomly assigned (1:1) to receive a digital, crowdsourced, multilevel intervention (intervention arm) or routine intervention (control arm). The digital multilevel intervention was developed through crowdsourced open calls tailored for MSM, consisting of digital intervention images and videos, the strategy of providing HIV self-testing services through digital tools, and peer-moderated discussion within WeChat groups. The primary outcome was self-reported HIV testing uptake in the previous 3 months. An intention-to-treat approach was used to examine the cluster-level effect of the intervention in the 12-month study period using generalized linear mixed models and the individual-level effect using linear mixed models., Results: A total of 935 MSM were enrolled (404 intervention participants and 531 controls); 751 participants (80.3%) completed at least one follow-up survey. Most participants were younger than 30 years (n=601, 64.3%), single (n=681, 72.8%), had a college degree or higher (n=629, 67.3%), and had an HIV testing history (n=785, 84%). Overall, the proportion of testing for HIV in the past 3 months at the 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month follow-ups was higher in the intervention arm (139/279, 49.8%; 148/266, 55.6%; 189/263, 71.9%; and 171/266, 64.3%, respectively) than the control arm (183/418, 43.8%; 178/408, 43.6%; 206/403, 51.1%; and 182/397, 48.4%, respectively), with statistically significant differences at the 6-, 9-, and 12-month follow-ups. At the cluster level, the proportion of participants who had tested for HIV increased 11.62% (95% CI 0.74%-22.5%; P=.04) with the intervention. At the individual level, participants in the intervention arm had 69% higher odds for testing for HIV in the past 3 months compared with control participants, but the result was not statistically significant (risk ratio 1.69, 95% CI 0.87-3.27; P=.11)., Conclusions: The intervention effectively improved HIV testing uptake among Chinese MSM. Our findings highlight that digital, crowdsourced, multilevel interventions should be made more widely available for HIV prevention and other public health issues., Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900024350; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=36718., International Registered Report Identifier (irrid): RR2-10.1186/s13063-020-04860-8., (©Yuxi Lin, Ci Ren, Meizhen Liao, Dianmin Kang, Chuanxi Li, Kedi Jiao, Lin Wang, Yu Yan, Yijun Li, Taoyu Wu, Chunxiao Cheng, Zhe Zhao, Zece Xu, Weiming Tang, Joseph D Tucker, Wei Ma. Originally published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (https://www.jmir.org), 30.10.2023.)

Background: The prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is becoming more common among college students in China. However, latest data on the prevalence and correlates of HIV testing among sexually experienced college students is rarely., Methods: An online survey was conducted among college students aged 18 years or older using multistage stratified cluster sampling from 16 colleges. Data on socio-demographic, HIV testing, HIV-related awareness, attitudes, sexual education and behaviors were collected. Propensity score matching (PSM) and logistic regression model were used to identify factors associated with HIV testing., Result: A total of 108,987 students participated the survey, of which 13,201 sexually experienced college students were included in this study. 1,939 (14.69%) college students with sexual experience reported uptake of HIV testing in the preceding year. The uptake of HIV testing increased for college students with a rising HIV knowledge score and sexual health knowledge. Being awareness of HIV-related knowledge (aOR = 1.15, 95%CI: 1.01-1.30), accepting one-night stands (aOR = 1.16, 95%CI:1.03-1.32), obtaining satisfactory sexual interpretation from parent(s) (aOR = 1.24, 95%CI: 1.07-1.43), ever had unintended pregnancy (aOR = 1.78, 95%CI: 1.32-2.38), ever had received HIV-related preventive service(s) (aOR = 1.37, 95%CI: 1.10-1.70), ever had participated HIV-related preventive services (aOR = 3.76, 95%CI: 2.99-4.75) and ever had anal sex (aOR = 2.66, 95%CI: 2.11-3.34) were positively associated with uptake of HIV testing. However, accepting premarital sex (aOR = 0.76, 95%CI: 0.66-0.88), accepting cohabitation (aOR = 0.75, 95%CI: 0.61-0.92), occasionally discussing sex with parent(s) (aOR = 0.68, 95%CI: 0.50-0.91), and being with moderate satisfaction of school sex courses (aOR = 0.74, 95%CI: 0.58-0.95) were negatively associated with uptake of HIV testing., Conclusion: The prevalence of HIV testing was relatively low. Participation in HIV-related services and high-risk sexual behaviors were important enablers for testing. Improving sex education for students, increasing HIV preventive services on campus, and improving family sex education are necessary to increase HIV testing among college sexually experienced students., (© 2023. BioMed Central Ltd., part of Springer Nature.)

Background: A substantial risk of contracting Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) exists among men who have sex with men (MSM), and HIV infection rates have been rising. This study aimed to analyze the factors influencing the Chinese MSM population's intention to test for HIV., Methods: Nonprobability sampling techniques were employed in June 2022 to recruit MSM in Chongqing and Sichuan, China. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM), which is based on the knowledge-attitude-behavior (KAB) theory., Results: Among 1687 participants, 964 (57.1%) of the MSM were willing to have an HIV test. The results of the structural equation modeling (SEM) showed that knowledge, attitude, and behavior all influenced the testing intention, with attitude having the greatest impact (total effect of 0.22)., Conclusion: HIV testing needs to be increased among MSM as they exhibit a moderate willingness to test. Improving education on HIV knowledge and risk behavior might enhance the willingness of MSM to test for HIV in China., (© 2023. BioMed Central Ltd., part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) in China hold a low-risk perception of acquiring HIV. This has resulted in an inadequate HIV testing rate., Objective: This study aims to investigate whether administering HIV risk self-assessments with tailored feedback on a gay geosocial networking (GSN) app could improve HIV testing rates and reduce sexual risk behaviors in Chinese MSM., Methods: We recruited MSM from Beijing, China, who used the GSN platform Blued in October 2017 in this 12-month double-blinded randomized controlled trial. From October 2017 to September 2018, eligible participants were randomly assigned to use a self-reported HIV risk assessment tool that provided tailored feedback according to transmission risk (group 1), access to the same HIV risk assessment without feedback (group 2), or government-recommended HIV education materials (control). All interventions were remotely delivered through the mobile phone-based app Blued, and participants were followed up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months from baseline. The number of HIV tests over the 12-month study was the primary outcome and was assessed using an intention-to-treat analysis with an incident rate ratio (IRR). Unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) over 6 months was assessed by a modified intention-to-treat analysis and was the secondary outcome. All statistical analyses were conducted in SAS 9.3 (SAS Institute, Inc.), and a P value <.05 was considered statistically significant., Results: In total, 9280 MSM were recruited from baseline and were randomly assigned to group 1 (n=3028), group 2 (n=3065), or controls (n=3187). After follow-up, 1034 (34.1%), 993 (32.4%), and 1103 (34.6%) remained in each group, respectively. Over 12 months, group 1 took 391 tests (mean of 2.51 tests per person), group 2 took 352 tests (mean of 2.01 tests per person), and controls took 295 tests (mean of 1.72 tests per person). Group 1 had significantly more HIV testing than the control group (IRR 1.32, 95% CI 1.09-4.58; P=.01), while group 2 did not differ significantly from the controls (IRR 1.06, 95% CI 0.86-1.30; P=.60). The proportion of UAI was not statistically different among different groups, but all 3 groups had UAI, which declined from baseline., Conclusions: Repeated HIV risk assessments coupled with tailored feedback through GSN apps improved HIV testing. Such interventions should be considered a simple way of improving HIV testing among MSM in China and increasing awareness of HIV status., Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03320239; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03320239., (©Qianqian Luo, Zunyou Wu, Guodong Mi, Jie Xu, Sarah Robbins Scott. Originally published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (https://www.jmir.org), 01.09.2023.)

In China, men who have sex with men (MSM) account for an increasing proportion of new HIV infections. We aim to assess recent HIV testing (in the past 6 months) among Chinese MSM and to identify barriers to testing. A nationwide sample of MSM (n = 1100) from mainland China was recruited. Data on sociodemographics, HIV-related risks, perceived barriers to testing, and testing behaviors were collected. Approximately 30% of MSM had recently undergone HIV testing. With regard to testing, almost half endorsed each of three barriers: did not believe themselves to be at HIV risk, had a fear of being diagnosed HIV positive, and feared their privacy would be violated during testing. Five distinct classes of barriers were identified from the responses. The adjusted multivariable logistic regression model demonstrated that the participants in both the "uncertainty concerning testing sites" and "low risk and privacy violation" classes were less likely to undergo testing than those in the "minimal barrier" class. Men who were unsure of their HIV status were less likely to undergo testing. Furthermore, participants who had multiple male sexual partners and who engaged in substance use over the preceding 6 months were more likely to undergo testing. Distinct subgroups of testing and HIV status varied within the different barrier classifications. Recent HIV testing rates remain low among MSM in China. Barrier factors associated with testing point to the necessity for preventing and controlling HIV, including increasing the privacy of sites or educating MSM on the importance of testing regularly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HIV testing is the first step to the fulfillment of Treat as Prevention (TasP) and reaching the 90-90-90 goal in HIV control. However, there are still a large number of Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) have never been tested for HIV before, and little is known about the HIV incidence and care linkage among this population. A Mixed method was used to recruit MSM who had never tested for HIV before from January 2012 to December 2014 in Shenyang, China. Potential MSM participants were invited to attend the enrollment for HIV and syphilis testing at a general hospital-based voluntary counseling and test (VCT). HIV confirmed positive subjects were further tested by BED HIV-1 capture enzyme immunoassay (BED-CEIA) to determine the HIV incidence. Syphilis was screened by the rapid plasma reagent test (RPR) and confirmed by Treponema pallidum particle assay (TPPA). All the HIV positive subjects were referred to the local Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and clinics for HIV primary care and follow-ups. In total 646 HIV first-time-testers of MSM (FMSM) attended this study, 73.4% (474/646) were aged under 31-year-old and 57.3% (370/646) and used the Internet as their major cruising avenue for seeking male sexual partners. The average prevalence of HIV and current syphilis infection was 10.8% (70/646) and 11.0% (71/646), respectively. The HIV incidence was 10.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.1–14.5)/100PY. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that factors such as use of the Internet as the major cruising avenue (adjusted OR [AOR] 2.7, 95% CI 0.9–7.6) and having a current syphilis infection (AOR 4.2, 95% CI 1.8–12.2) were independent correlates of a recent HIV infection. Of the 95 HIV screening test positive FMSM, 73.7% (70/95) returned and be confirmed positive, 92.9% (65/70) of confirmed patients were linked to care. Among those retained and underwent CD4+ T cell test, 76.3% (42/55) started HIV antiretroviral therapy. Among the unconfirmed, 84.0% (21/25) were non-local migrants. The HIV incidence of FMSM in Shenyang was high. Future HIV testing program needs to keep on expanding among the MSM who have never been tested for HIV yet. The Internet-based campaigns and syphilis testing and treatment could represent an opportunity to get access to this hard-to-reach population and link them to HIV care. Future linkage to HIV care of this population should underscore the usage of HIV rapid diagnostic tests to prevent lost at early steps of linkage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the exacerbating HIV transmission among migrant men who have sex with men (MSM) in China, few epidemiological studies explore their HIV testing/risk profiles. We sought to explore sociodemographic/behavioral correlates of HIV/syphilis and HIV testing among migrant MSM. A study was conducted among 3,588 HIV-uninfected MSM. Participants were recruited via short message services, peer referral, web-advertisement and community outreach. HIV/syphilis infections were lab-confirmed. Migrant MSM were more likely to be HIV-infected compared to local MSM. Among 2,699 migrant MSM, HIV testing was associated with older age, living longer in Beijing, having ≥10 lifetime male sexual partners (LMSPs), having insertive anal sex; while being unemployed/retired and having condomless receptive anal sex (CRAS) were associated with a lower odds of HIV testing. Being married, living longer in Beijing, ever testing for HIV and having sex with women were associated with lower HIV odds; while being unemployed/retired, having higher HIV perception, having ≥ 10 LMSPs and having CRAS were associated a higher HIV odds. Increased likelihood of syphilis was associated with older age, being employed, higher HIV perception, having ≥10 LMSPs and having CRAS. Our study provides implications for targeted interventions to tackle HIV/STI risks and improve HIV testing among migrant Chinese MSM. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: HIV testing for marginalized populations is critical to controlling the HIV epidemic. However, the HIV testing rate among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China remains low. Crowdsourcing, the process of shifting individual tasks to a group, has been increasingly adopted in public health programs and may be a useful tool for spurring innovation in HIV testing campaigns. We designed a multi-site study to develop a crowdsourced HIV test promotion campaign and evaluate its effectiveness against conventional campaigns among MSM in China.Methods: This study will use an adaptation of the stepped wedge, randomized controlled trial design. A total of eight major metropolitan cities in China will be randomized to sequentially initiate interventions at 3-month intervals. The intervention uses crowdsourcing at multiple steps to sustain crowd contribution. Approximately 1280 MSM, who are 16 years of age or over, live in the intervention city, have not been tested for HIV in the past 3 months, and are not living with HIV, will be recruited. Recruitment will take place through banner advertisements on a large gay dating app along with other social media platforms. Participants will complete one follow-up survey every 3 months for 12 months to evaluate their HIV testing uptake in the past 3 months and secondary outcomes including syphilis testing, sex without condoms, community engagement, testing stigma, and other related outcomes.Discussion: MSM HIV testing rates remain poor in China. Innovative methods to promote HIV testing are urgently needed. With a large-scale, stepped wedge, randomized controlled trial our study can improve understanding of crowdsourcing's long-term effectiveness in public health campaigns, expand HIV testing coverage among a key population, and inform intervention design in related public health fields.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02796963 . Registered on 23 May 2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Scaling up HIV testing is the first step in the HIV treatment continuum which is important for controlling the HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM). Following an online HIV testing intervention among MSM, we aim to examine sociodemographic and spatial factors associated with HIV testing.Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis on data from an online HIV testing intervention among MSM who had never-tested for HIV. The survey was distributed through online networks connected to all provinces and regions of China. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to examine factors associated with testing three weeks post-intervention.Results: At three weeks after the intervention, 36% of 624 followed-up MSM underwent HIV testing, 69 men reported positive HIV test results. Having money for sex, ever tested for sexually transmitted infections and intimate partner violence experience were significant factors of post-intervention HIV testing. Students were less likely to undergo HIV testing at follow-up compared to others (adjusted odds ratio=0.69, 95% C.I.=0.47-0.99), adjusted by age and type of intervention. Moderate provincial spatial variation of testing was observed.Conclusions: While high risk men generally had higher HIV testing rates, some MSM like students had lower testing rates, suggesting the need for further ways to enhance HIV testing in specific MSM communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Behavioral intervention is a key approach to HIV prevention among men who have sex with men (MSM). Widespread use of mobile phones provide us with novel opportunities to decrease HIV infection and transmission of MSM. The objective of the study was to design and develop a mobile phone application (app) aims to conduct behavioral intervention to MSM and to evaluate the efficacy of the app-based intervention compared to usual care, to analyze cost-effectiveness and mechanism of the intervention.Methods: This study involves 2 phases, phase 1 use qualitative method and phase 2 is a randomized controlled trial lasting for 18 months, they will be conducted in Chagnsha, Hunan Province, China. Phase 1 is to design and develop the app, procedures including retrieval of domestic apps related to prevention and treatment about HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (HIV/STDs), personal interviews with MSM about preferences and functional needs of the HIV prevention app, multidisciplinary experts focused group discussions of the app, software engineers' development and users test of the app will be performed. In phase 2, we will recruit 800 MSM by cooperating with the local center of disease control and prevention and nongovernmental organizations, and divide them into intervention and control group evenly. Intervention group participants will receive app-based HIV prevention. Control group participants will be provided with usual care including HIV/STDs knowledge brochure and free voluntary counseling services. Data will be collected at baseline, 6, 12 and 18 months since subject's participation. Effectiveness of the intervention includes HIV/STDs infection rates, adherence to regularly HIV testing, sexual risk behavior, consistent condom use and relative risk of HIV infection. Cost-effectiveness will be analyzed by decision-analytic modeling, and mechanism analysis of this app-based intervention will be performed by path analysis.Discussion: This will be the first study of its kind in China to develop an app and implement app-based HIV prevention intervention among MSM. It is of great potential to determine whether app-based intervention is a cost-effective way to decrease HIV infection among MSM and explore intervention mechanism with an accurate method.Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Register ( ChiCTR-IOR-15006724 ). Registered 10 July 2015. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: HIV and syphilis testing rates remain low among men who have sex with men (MSM) in low- and middleincome countries (LMICs). Community engagement has been increasingly used to promote HIV testing among key populations in high-income countries, often in settings with stronger civil society. This study aimed to assess socio-demographic, behavioural, and community engagement factors associated with HIV and syphilis testing among MSM in China. Methods: MSM =16 years old who had condomless sex in the past three months were recruited nationwide to complete a cross-sectional online survey in November 2015. Data were collected on socio-demographics, sexual behaviours, HIV testing, syphilis testing, and community engagement in sexual health. We defined community engagement in sexual health using six items assessing awareness and advocacy of sexual health programmes. The underlying factor structure of a 6-item community engagement scale was determined through exploratory factor analysis. Univariate and multivariable logistic regressions identified correlates of HIV and syphilis testing. Results: 1189 MSM were recruited. 54% (647/1189) of men had ever tested for HIV and 30% (354/1189) had ever tested for syphilis. Factor analysis suggested three levels of community engagement (minimal, moderate, and substantial) and this model explained 79.5% of observed variance. A quarter (26%, 312/1189) reported none to minimal engagement, over one half (54%, 644/1189) reported moderate engagement, and a fifth (20%, 233/1189) reported substantial engagement. Multivariable logistic regression showed that MSM with greater community engagement in sexual health were more likely to have ever tested for HIV (substantial vs. no engagement: aOR 7.91, 95% CI 4.98-12.57) and for syphilis (substantial vs. no engagement: aOR 5.35, 95% CI 3.16-9.04). Conclusions: HIV and syphilis testing are suboptimal among MSM in China. Community engagement may be useful for promoting testing in China and should be considered in intervention development and delivery. Further research is needed to better understand the role of LMIC community engagement in HIV interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, HIV infection prevalence in MSM has been in increase in China. HIV testing is the only way to identify HIV-infection, effectively curb the spread of HIV and reduce AIDS-related death risks. At present, the situation of HIV testing in MSM is not satisfactory, and expanding HIV testing is the one of the key measures for AIDS prevention and control in this population. This paper summarizes the role and strategies of expanding HIV testing in MSM in order to provide a reference for the improvement of HIV testing in this population.

HIV self-testing (HIVST) is an effective method to expand HIV testing coverage worldwide. We analyze the results of HIVST and sexual behaviors of first-time testers among Men who have sex with men (MSM) who participated in a secondary distribution of HIVST kits. A total of 589 participants were recruited, including 173 first-time testers and 416 non-first-time testers. The first-time testers were mainly of Han ethnicity (aOR 1.88, 95% CI 1.10, 3.24), more likely to be HIV positive (aOR 7.18, 95% CI 2.37, 21.72), and had higher income (aOR 2.01, 95% CI 1.10, 3.69). Both groups were less likely to have anal sex with male partners (χ 2 : 146.24, P < 0.01), (χ 2 : 582.72, P < 0.01) or have sex with female partners (χ 2 : 19.01, P < 0.01), (χ 2 : 35.74, P < 0.01) after HIVST. We should expand HIVST among MSM and other key populations to identify first-time testers., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

HIV self-testing (HIVST) is recommended as a promising way to increase HIV testing uptake among MSM. MSM sometimes used HIVST kits together with their sexual partners or friends. However, limited data was reported on MSM's testing together behaviors with sexual partners and non-sexual contacts. Data were collected among MSM in China from June 2018 to June 2019. Eligible participants (referred to as "index participants") finished a baseline survey and applied for HIVST kits. They were encouraged to distribute the kits to other people (referred to as "alters"). Index participants finished a 3-month follow-up survey on the distribution and usage of the kits. Alters finished an online survey on the usage of HIVST kits after they returned the photographed testing results. Results were reported based on index participants and alters, respectively. Based on follow-up data, 138 index participants successfully motivated others for HIVST, most of them (77.5%) tested together with at least one alter. Around half of alters (52.3%) reported testing together with index participants. Index participants distributed more HIVST kits to friends than sexual partners. MSM who had ever tested for HIV were more likely to test together. Our study demonstrated that the testing together behaviors during HIVST distribution among sexual partners and social network contacts were common. The social network-based approach is essential in promoting testing together and HIV status disclosure among MSM., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Although HIV testing is helpful for early detection and treatment of HIV, its utilization rate is low among college students in China. Understanding the acceptance and associated factors of HIV testing is the key to improve the detection rate. The purpose of the systematic review was to examine the acceptance and associated factors of HIV testing (including HIV self-testing and HIV counseling and testing services) among college students in China., Methods: This systematic review was reported following PRISMA guidelines 2020. Electronic sources such as PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, CBM, Wanfang Database and VIP Database were searched for relevant studies published before September 2022. The tool by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) was used to assess quality for cross-sectional studies. The random-effects and fixed-effect model were employed to estimate the pooled proportions and associated factor of HIV testing acceptance. The Cochrane's Q statistic and I2 test were used to examine heterogeneity. All the quantitative meta analyses were conducted using STATA version 12 software., Results: A total of 21 eligible studies with 100, 821 participants were included in the systematic review. The pooled acceptance rate of HIV testing was 68% (95% CI = 60, 76), and varies between regions in China. Male, heterosexual and urban college students had higher HIV testing acceptance. Gender, medical specialty, sexual education, sexual behavior, HIV/AIDS knowledge, perception HIV risk, and previous HIV testing were the factors associated with HIV testing acceptance., Conclusion: The review revealed that most of the college students intend to accept HIV detection, and the proportion of acceptance influenced by different factors. Therefore, the government and universities should implement targeted measures, improve HIV testing services, and promote HIV testing behavior., Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO CRD42022367976., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2023 Liao et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

HIV testing is the first step in HIV prevention and control, the rate of HIV infection is high and the rate of HIV testing is low among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. HIV self-testing provides MSM with a new choice and plays a vital role in expanding the coverage of HIV testing in this population. This paper reviews HIV self-testing and associated factors among MSM in China and provides a reference for promoting HIV self-testing in this population.

In China, HIV testing is the important first step of HIV prevention and treatment cascades but is not widely adopted by men who have sex with men (MSM). However, social media has been increasingly used to promote and improve HIV testing. This study aimed to assess the impact of social media use on HIV testing and explore the mediator in the relationship between social media and HIV testing. The authors conducted a cross-sectional study among 935 MSM participants in 11 cities in Shandong Province from 14 September to 6 December 2020. Multivariable regression was conducted to assess the relationship between social media use and HIV testing uptake, and mediation analysis was used to assess the mediation effect of HIV testing self-efficacy in the relationship between social media use and HIV testing. The present study findings showed that social media use was related to HIV testing (aOR = 3.024, 95% CI: 1.869, 4.892) and HIV self-testing uptake (aOR = 1.894, 95% CI: 1.228, 2.922), but was not related to HIV facility-based testing (aOR = 1.709, 95% CI: 0.806, 3.625, p = 0.162). A mediation effect of HIV testing self-efficacy was found between social media use and HIV testing (indirect effect: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.29), facility-based testing (indirect effect: 0.05, 95% CI: 0.003, 0.16), and self-testing uptake (indirect effect: 0.07, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.16). Social media could be an effective tool to improve HIV testing, and healthcare providers should pay more attention to HIV testing self-efficacy in HIV testing promotion.

Background: The HIV epidemic is still expanding among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China, but HIV testing rates remain suboptimal. Network-based interventions, such as secondary distribution, have shown promise to expand HIV self-testing (HIVST) among partners of MSM living with HIV (MLWH) but have not been widely implemented. Monetary incentives could enhance the secondary distribution of HIVST in some settings. We will conduct a randomized controlled trial to examine the effectiveness of monetary incentives in expanding the secondary distribution of HIVST among MLWH in China., Methods: We will recruit 200 eligible participants at three antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinics in China. Participants are eligible if they are 18 years of age or over, assigned as male at birth, have had anal sex with men, are living with HIV, are willing to apply for the HIVST kit at ART clinics, and are willing to provide personal contact information for follow-up. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to one of two groups: standard secondary distribution group and secondary distribution group with monetary incentives. Participants (defined as "index") will distribute the HIVST kits to members of their social network (defined as "alter") and will be required to complete a baseline survey and a 3-month follow-up survey. All alters will be encouraged to report their testing results by taking photos of used kits and completing an online survey. The primary study outcomes will compare the mean number of alters and newly-tested alters motivated by each index participant in each group. Secondary study outcomes will include the mean number of alters who tested positive, the cost per person tested, and the cost per HIV diagnosed for each group., Discussion: Few studies have evaluated interventions to enhance the implementation of secondary distribution. Our study will provide information on the effectiveness of monetary incentives in expanding HIVST secondary distribution among MLWH. The findings of this trial will contribute to implementing HIVST secondary distribution services among MLWH in China and facilitating HIV case identifications., Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2200064517; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=177896 . Registered on 10th October 2022., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

This study investigated the prevalence of and factors associated with behavioral intention to take up any type of HIV testing and HIV self-testing (HIVST) in the next six months among male migrant workers, who were at high risk of HIV infection, in Shenzhen, China. This was a secondary data analysis. A total of 363 subjects who had sexual intercourse with non-regular female sex partners and/or female sex workers in the past six months were selected. Logistic regression models were fitted for data analysis. About 16.5% of participants reported having used HIV testing in their lifetime and 12.7% for HIVST. Among the participants, 25.6% and 23.7% intended to take up any type of HIV testing and HIVST in the next six months, respectively. Significant factors associated with the behavioral intention to take up HIV testing and HIVST included individual-level factors based of the Health Belief Model (e.g., perceived benefit, perceived cue to action, perceived self-efficacy) and interpersonal-level factors (e.g., frequency of exposure to health-related content or HIV and STI-related content on short video apps). This study provided practical implications for designing interventions to increase the uptake of HIV testing and HIVST among migrant workers.

Many men who have sex with men (MSM) do not use condoms with their main partners, especially if both parties are of the same HIV status. However, significant proportions of MSM have never tested or recently tested and are unaware of their main partners' HIV status. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 524 MSM in Jiangsu, China in 2013-2014. Time-location sampling and online convenience sampling were used to recruit participants. We compared awareness of HIV status and recent HIV testing between participants who had main partners versus those who did not, and identified factors associated with recent HIV testing among men in main partnerships. Participants in main partnerships were significantly more likely to report recent HIV testing and being HIV-negative instead of HIV-unknown compared to participants in casual partnerships only. Overall, 74.5 % of participants were aware of their main partners' HIV status. Among participants in main partnerships, those who had 2-5 male anal sex partners in the past 6 months and those who reported that their partners were HIV-negative had 2.36 (95 % CI 1.12, 4.97) and 4.20 (95 % CI 2.03, 8.70) fold greater odds of being tested in the past year compared to those who had main partners only and those whose partners were HIV-positive/unknown, respectively. Chinese MSM in main partnerships might be practicing serosorting and may be at lower risk for HIV infection due to increased awareness of main partners' HIV status and higher uptake of recent testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HIV self-testing (HIVST) increases testing frequency among men who have sex with men (MSM). However, its impact on sexual risk behaviors is unclear. In a randomized controlled trial conducted in Hunan Province, China, HIV-negative MSM were randomized to receive one of two interventions for one year: (1) facility-based HIV testing, or (2) facility-based HIV testing augmented with free HIVST. From April to June 2018, 230 MSM were enrolled. They self-reported sexual behaviors every 3 months for 12 months. Among 216 MSM with follow-ups (intervention: 110; control: 106), adjusting for potential confounders in Generalized Estimating Equation models, there were no statistically significant differences in consistent condom use with male partners (regular/casual) or female partners, nor on number of male or female sexual partners. Provision of free HIVST kits does not increase risky sex and should be included in comprehensive HIV prevention packages, particularly for sexual minority men in China., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Female sex workers are a priority population for HIV prevention and health promotion in China. This paper examines the patterns of and factors associated with the utilisation of HIV-related and general health services by establishment-based sex workers in Hongkou District, Shanghai. Participants were recruited through a three-stage sampling strategy and invited to self-complete a brief survey in 2012. The median age of the 400 participants included in the analyses was 33 years (range = 18–52 years old), with over three-quarters being married at the time of the survey. Participants were mostly internal migrants, more than half had lived in Shanghai for six months or longer and nearly two-thirds were working in an establishment with a total of less than five female sex workers. Routine physical examination and HIV testing were the most commonly accessed health services in the previous 12 months. Altogether, 347 women (86.8%) had actively sought, including 157 women had obtained, free health services mainly from local Community Health Service Centres (CHSCs) in the previous 12 months. The active seeking of free, largely CHSC-provided health services was associated with a longer duration of residence in Shanghai (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.55, 95% CI = 1.32–4.93;p< 0.01) and having tested for HIV in the previous 12 months (AOR = 3.68, 95% CI = 1.84–7.38;p< 0.001). Conversely, a higher annual income (AOR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.21–0.80;p< 0.01), working in a larger establishment (AOR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.20–0.79;p< 0.01) and knowing that HIV can be transmitted through blood transfusion with unscreened blood (AOR = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.05–0.91;p< 0.05) were associated with not actively seeking such services. Free, community-based health services are highly demanded by establishment-based female sex workers in Shanghai. Scaling-up of free and integrated health services provided by community-based health service providers in metropolitan areas in China and beyond holds promise for promoting health and well-being of female sex workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: African migrants in China face social, structural, and cultural barriers to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing with scarce information on their HIV testing behaviours. This study estimated the prevalence of HIV testing and its social and behavioural correlates to understand how to better provide HIV testing services for African migrants living in China., Methods: We conducted a national cross-sectional survey among adult African migrants who lived in China for more than one month between January 19 to February 7, 2021. The survey was disseminated online through six African community organizations and via participant referrals. We collected data on HIV testing behaviours and history of HIV testing, social, and cultural factors and applied univariate and multivariable logistic regression to identify testing correlates., Results: Among a total of 1305 participants, 72.9% (n = 951/1305) tested for HIV during their stay in China and yielded a self-reported HIV prevalence of 0.4% (n = 4/951). The most common reason for HIV testing was to comply with Chinese residence policy requirements (88.5%, n = 842/951); for not testing was "no need to be tested" (79.4%, n = 281/354). We found most African migrants have experienced low acculturation stress (54.5%, n = 750/1305), low social discrimination (65.6%, n = 856/1305), have a moderate stigma towards HIV (54.3%, n = 709/1305), and low community engagement around sexual health and HIV topics. In multivariable analysis, African migrants who were students (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.36, 95% CI = 2.40-4.71), living in student dormitories (aOR = 3.86, 95% CI = 1.51-9.84), received health services in China in past year (aOR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.25-2.23), had lifetime sexually transmitted infections (STI) testing (aOR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.23-3.10), had HIV testing before coming to China (aOR = 13.56, 95% CI = 9.36-19.65), and those engaged in community discussions of HIV and sexual health (aOR = 2.77, 95% CI = 1.31-5.83) were more likely to test for HIV in China., Conclusions: Despite 73% of African migrants having tested for HIV in China, there are unmet needs and barriers identified in our study, such as language barriers. Access to HIV knowledge and testing services were the most important enablers for testing, including studentship, past STI/HIV testing, and community discussion on sexual health. Culturally appropriate and community-based outreach programs to provide information on HIV and testing venues for African migrants might be helpful to promote testing uptake., Competing Interests: Disclosure of interest: The authors completed the ICMJE Disclosure of Interest Form (available upon request from the corresponding author) and disclose no relevant interests., (Copyright © 2022 by the Journal of Global Health. All rights reserved.)

Background: HIV self-testing (HIVST) is recommended by the World Health Organization as a valid approach to routine HIV testing services. The scale of HIVST use has gradually been expanded in China over the past 5 years. To take a closer look at the role of HIVST in China, we reviewed the promotion and application of HIVST within China., Objective: The main objective of this study was to systematically analyze the proportion of past use and actual uptake of HIVST within China. Moreover, we aimed to quantify the effect of HIVST on HIV prevention and treatment., Methods: In all, 5 medical databases and 2 registration systems, including PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, WanFang, China National Knowledge Internet, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry were systematically searched for studies reporting the prevalence of HIVST use from January 1, 2010, to December 25, 2021. Meta-analyses of the pooled proportion estimates were carried out by the meta-package in R software (version 4.1.2). Statistical heterogeneity among the studies was estimated using Cochran Q test and the inconsistency index (I 2 )., Results: A total of 50 studies were included in our systematic review. The estimated pooled prevalence of HIVST use in China was 29.9% (95% CI 22.5%-37.9%). Among individuals who have ever used HIVST, 47.5% (95% CI 37.2%-57.8%) were tested for HIV for the first time. The pooled reactive rate of HIVST was 4.2% (95% CI 3.1%-5.8%). When HIVST revealed a reactive result, 81.3% (95% CI 70.9%-91.6%) of individuals sought medical care., Conclusions: In recent times, HIVST has become a valuable tool for HIV prevention in China. The widespread use of HIVST in non-men who have sex with men populations needs to be endorsed and promoted. The long-term applications of HIVST and the potential consequences of self-financing of HIVST in China have yet to be explored., Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42022304846; https://tinyurl.com/54d9pxy8., (©Xiangfei Xiu, Yuanyuan Qin, Yugang Bao, Yaokai Chen, Hao Wu, Xiaojie Huang, Lu Wang. Originally published in JMIR Public Health and Surveillance (https://publichealth.jmir.org), 02.12.2022.)

The aim of this study is to describe attrition of newly diagnosed men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV/AIDS from screening to CD4 testing and provide suggestions to improve HIV case management in China. Data from 15 China-Gates Program project cities were collected on number of MSM who underwent each step from HIV screening to CD4 testing. Descriptive statistics were calculated. A total of 76,628 HIV screening tests were performed among MSM, of which 4563 were HIV-positive. Most attrition occurred at confirmatory and CD4 testing. Within the same year, 21% (1065/4063) of MSM who screened HIV-positive did not receive confirmatory testing and 34% (1025/3024) of MSM newly diagnosed with HIV/AIDS did not receive CD4 testing. Marked differences were observed between project areas in attrition at these points of the care continuum. Marked differences were also observed across areas in the rate of CD4 counts <350 cells/mcl, ranging from 23% to 87%. In the current process for diagnosis and management of HIV infection in China, many MSM are lost to follow-up at HIV confirmation and CD4 testing. Actions should be taken to reduce complexity and time lag from screening to CD4 test and emphasize the importance of remaining in care during posttest counseling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public health research and interventions often assume that men who have sex with men (MSM) who use the Internet in China have similar characteristics to those in Western countries, though with little empirical evidence. This study aimed to describe and examine the sociodemographic and basic sexual behavioral characteristics of an online sample of MSM in Guangdong, China. In 2010, a total of 1100 MSM were recruited from an lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT)-oriented website and were asked about their sociodemographic and sexual behavior characteristics. The majority of the participants (77.9%) self-identified as homosexual, and the mean age was 30.0 years (SD = 6.7). About 80% of the participants had attained a college degree and only 4.8% were unemployed. About 60% had a monthly salary of more than CNY 3000 (476 USD), and more than 10% were married. The majority (71.7%) had used condoms in the last anal sex. Nearly half of the participants have never been tested for HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (47.3% and 47.7%, respectively). More than 80% were willing to be contacted by researchers after the survey. Findings indicate that the sociodemographic characteristics of Chinese MSM who use the Internet are relatively similar to those in the Western countries. However, Chinese MSM are less likely to self-identify as homosexual and be tested for HIV and other STIs than Western MSM. On a positive note, Chinese MSM would be likely to engage in e-technology research showing potential feasibility of an online HIV/STI intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, I examine the emergence ofgoumai fuwu, or contracting with social organisations to provide social services, in the HIV/AIDS sector in China. In particular, I interrogate the outsourcing of HIV testing to community-based organisations (CBOs) serving men who have sex with men (MSM) as a means of scaling-up testing in this population, and how the commodification of testing enables new forms of surveillance and citizenship to emerge. In turn, I tie the scaling-up of testing and its commodification to the sustainability of CBOs as they struggle to survive. In recent years, the HIV/AIDS response in China has shifted to expanding testing among MSM in order to reduce new infections. This response has been catalysed by the transition to sexual contact as the primary transmission route for HIV and the rising rates of infection among MSM, leading government institutions and international donors to mobilise CBOs to expand testing. These efforts to scale-up are as much about testing as they are about making visible this hidden population. CBOs, in facilitating testing, come to rely on outsourcing as a long-term funding base and in doing so, unintentionally extend the reach of the state into the everyday lives of MSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Men who have sex with men (MSM) are a hidden but emerging population susceptible to HIV infection against a background of rapidly increasing HIV prevalence in China. Low HIV testing levels and multiple partnerships among MSM are two major contributing factors to HIV transmission. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 447 Chinese MSM in Changsha and Tianjin cities from November to December 2011 using an anonymous questionnaire. We aim to investigate (1) the trend of HIV testing rates among Chinese MSM during 2009 to 2011; and (2) the patterns of multiple sexual relationships with male, female and commercial partners. Results The self-reported past-12-months HIV testing level among Chinese MSM increased from 16.6% in 2009 to 46.3% in 2010 and 58.6% in 2011 (X2 = 173.49, p < 0.001). Compared with men who have tested for HIV, the never-tested MSM were generally younger, never married, students, and more likely to have unprotected anal intercourse with non-commercial male partners. Furthermore, 21.3% (56/263) MSM reported having multiple regular male and female sexual partnerships and 6.2% (16/257) reported having commercial male partners in the past six months. However, individuals who were never-tested for HIV are consistently less likely to engage in multiple sexual relationships. Conclusions HIV testing rates have increased substantially among Chinese MSM in the period 2009- 2011, although significant barriers to testing remain. Multiple sexual partnerships, and especially bisexual behaviours, are common among Chinese MSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]