Disclosure of same-sex behavior by young Chinese migrant men: context and correlates

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to explore the disclosure of same-sex behavior by men who have sex with men (MSM) to different groups of people (i.e. family, friends, coworkers, and doctors) and the associated sociodemographic, behavioral, and psychosocial factors. A self-administered survey was conducted among 307 migrant MSM, aged 18-30, in Beijing in 2009. Most MSM disclosed their same-sex behavior to friends (69%), followed by family (25%), coworkers (25%), and doctors (24%). Factors associated with disclosure to friends included higher levels of perceived stigma, social capital and acculturation in Beijing, and suspecting partner to have a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Factors associated with disclosure to family included lower levels of internalized stigma, higher levels of acculturation in Beijing, and both risk and protective behavioral factors. MSM who disclosed to coworkers reported having worked in more cities, living with coworkers, and lower levels of social capital in Beijing. Disclosure to doctors was related to STD infection, sex partner, and sociodemographic factors. Results indicated that selective disclosure by MSM was situational and context-based. Future HIV/STD intervention needs to take into account factors relevant to their selective disclosure to different audiences.

Disclosure of sexual orientation to health professionals in China: results from an online cross‐sectional study

“…We found that only one-sixth of Chinese MSM had ever disclosed their sexual orientation to a doctor or other healthcare professional. This disclosure rate is slightly lower than clinic-based data findings from Beijing [22], and similar data from other low-and middle-income countries is not available [2,23]. In comparison, this rate is much higher in high-income countries, where local environments are more receptive to MSM life.…”

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“…An early research study conducted by Hays et al, indicated that gay men were more likely to disclose to their partners and close friends than to family members [38]. Similarly, other research showed similar findings that gay men, regardless of ethnic cultures or living in different countries, were less likely to disclose to their parents and other family members and instead were more likely to disclose to friends [33,35,[39][40][41]. This could possibility indicate that most gay men sought emotional and social support from their friends within their own gay culture because they were more likely to find acceptance of their sexual orientation and identity as compared with their families.…”

Alcohol misuse, risky sexual behaviors, and HIV or syphilis infections among Chinese men who have sex with men

“…Third, the population of young migrant men is growing and they are more inclined to engage in harmful drinking (Li et al, 2014). Furthermore, a majority of MSM in Beijing consists of young migrants (Guo et al, 2014). As more migrants relocate to large Chinese cities, this may contribute to increasing prevalence of alcohol use and misuse.…”

“…For example, MSM between the ages of 24 and 35 were more likely to use and misuse alcohol. We speculate that this age group might represent both financially independent and sexually/socially active MSM with greater exposure to alcohol use venues (Guo et al, 2014). A higher likelihood of hazardous and binge drinking was also seen among migrant MSM and those originating from township/village residence.…”

“…A higher likelihood of hazardous and binge drinking was also seen among migrant MSM and those originating from township/village residence. Evidence suggests that Chinese migrants are treated as a marginalized population, and are more likely to suffer from mental stress and associated alcohol use disorders (Guo et al, 2014). Moreover, Chinese men of rural origins are more likely to be problem drinkers compared to their urban counterparts, with limited knowledge of alcohol-related harms and culturally acceptable drinking habits (Wu et al, 2008).…”