1. First Responses to the Symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Treatment-Seeking Behavior Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in 13 Cities in China.
- Author
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Li J, Yue X, Wang Y, and Gong X
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, China epidemiology, Cities epidemiology, Cross-Sectional Studies, Health Behavior, Homosexuality, Male, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Prevalence, Regression Analysis, Risk-Taking, Sexual Behavior, Sexual Partners, Sexually Transmitted Diseases drug therapy, Surveys and Questionnaires, Young Adult, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Health Services statistics & numerical data, Patient Acceptance of Health Care, Sexual and Gender Minorities, Sexually Transmitted Diseases diagnosis, Sexually Transmitted Diseases epidemiology
- Abstract
Background: Data are scarce on sexually transmitted infection (STI) treatment-seeking behavior among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. The purpose of the study was to characterize the first response to STI symptoms, treatment-seeking behavior, and its associated factors among MSM in China., Methods: A cross-sectional study with convenience sampling design was conducted in 13 cities from April to July 2017. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect information on demographics, STI symptoms, and treatment-seeking behavior. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate variables associated with not seeking treatment., Results: Among 3925 recruited participants, 628 (16.0%) reported STI symptoms in the past 12 months and were included in the analysis. Upon or after being notified of the symptoms, MSM sought help from various sources or self-tested using rapid testing kits. Only 322(51.3%) went to see a doctor in clinic. In multiple logistic regression analyses, younger age, lower income, less STI knowledge (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-2.5), not knowing own STI risk (AOR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2-2.7), no symptoms of anogenital ulcers (AOR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.3-3.8) or anogenital warts (AOR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.6-3.7), no syphilis testing in the past 12 months (AOR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.5-3.0) were associated with higher probability of not seeking treatment in clinics., Conclusions: We found a high prevalence of STI symptoms among MSM and only half sought treatment. Prevention efforts should promote STI education, testing, and adequate treatment-seeking behavior.
- Published
- 2020
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