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This paper reports the results of exploratory research on reproductive and sexual health knowledge and sexual behaviour of young, unmarried women who migrate to cities from rural areas for work, and their access to and needs in relation to family planning in Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Guiyang and Taiyuan, in China. Focus group discussions were conducted with 146 young women aged 16-25 and 58 in-depth interviews with key informants. Some of the young female migrant workers were sexually active and living with their boyfriends, most of whom expected to marry each other. Most of the women lacked basic information about reproduction and contraception, and did not know where or how to obtain contraception. There were social, psychological and economic barriers to accessing services. Only a small proportion of those who were unmarried were using contraception, so induced abortion was often the outcome of unprotected premarital sex. Pleasing male partners also played an important role in unprotected sex. The training, attitudes and approach of the entire family planning service system in relation to unmarried and young people in China, including this migrant population, needs to be reorientated so as to provide them with appropriate and adequate services.

Objectives(1) To assess the HIV incidence rate among men who have sex with men (MSM) in a large cohort study in Beijing, China and (2) to identify sociodemographic and behavioural risk factors of HIV seroconversion among MSM in Beijing, China.DesignA prospective cohort study.SettingBaseline and follow-up visits were conducted among MSM in Beijing, China.ParticipantsA cohort of 797 HIV-seronegative MSM was recruited from August to December 2009, with follow-up occurring after 6 and 12 months.Primary and secondary outcome measuresAt baseline and follow-up visits, participants reported sociodemographic and sexual behaviour information, and were tested for HIV, herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) and syphilis with whole blood specimens. Cox regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with HIV seroconversion.ResultsMost study participants (86.8%) were retained by the 12-month follow-up. The HIV, HSV-2 and syphilis incidence rates were 8.09 (95% CI 6.92 to 9.26), 5.92 (95% CI 5.44 to 6.40) and 8.06 (95% CI 7.56 to 8.56) cases per 100 person-years, respectively. HIV seroconversion was significantly associated with being <25 years old, having <12 years of education, having >1 male sex partner in the past 6 months, and being syphilis positive or HSV-2 positive.ConclusionsThe HIV incidence among MSM in Beijing is serious. Interventions and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) should be combined with HIV control and prevention measures among MSM.

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