Look into the HIV Epidemic of Gay Community with a Socio-Cultural Perspective: A Qualitative Study in China, 2015-2016

Abstract

BackgroundCurrent Chinese studies continue to view male homosexuality through a disease focused lens which pays limited attention to socio-cultural aspects of sexual behavior and HIV transmission. This qualitative study aimed to investigate how socio-cultural factors influence gay men’s sexual beliefs and behaviors in contemporary China, and their implications for HIV epidemic.Methods and FindingsQualitative methodology was used in this study. During 2015–2016, in-depth interviews were conducted with 61 self identified gay men in Jiangxi, Henan, Heilongjiang, Guangdong, Jiangsu provinces and Chongqing municipality of China. Our study revealed that: 1) influenced by Chinese traditional culture, gay men have conflicts on self-identity, which led to low self-acceptance and negative attitude on sex, and huge socio-psychological stress; 2) a generational differences within gay community was observed, reflected in varied sexual attitudes and practices as well as way for approaching new friends, both of which have implications and challenges on HIV control and prevention; 3) socio-cultural barriers, including open minds towards casual sex and nonmonogamous relationship, and low priority of health demands were widely observed and led to negative coping with AIDS among gay community.ConclusionsIt is essential to take a holistic view into gay men’s HIV epidemic in China. Socio-cultural barriers for HIV control and prevention found in this study call for serious and imperative consideration on integrated measures, including targeted efforts towards effective sex education and further inclusion of socio-cultural perspectives in HIV/AIDS interventions for gay men.

Otorhinolaryngological profile and surgical intervention in patients with HIV/AIDS

“…In our study, the most common age group was 30–44 years (42.2%), consistent with the predominance of HIV infection among young people and the age distribution of patients with HIV/AIDS presenting with ORL manifestations 1 , 3 , 4 , 10 , 12 – 15 . The male predominance observed in our study was higher than in previous reports of ORL conditions in patients with HIV/AIDS but was consistent with the general HIV-infected population in China, as homosexual men have been the fastest-growing risk group in China’s HIV epidemic in recent years 14 , 15 .…”

Mental Health Status and Associated Contributing Factors among Gay Men in China

“…For this reason, gay men in China may come under even greater pressure of marriage and fertility from parents or their family, and this pressure may also magnified by the traditional social morality and concepts. Consequently, Chinese gay men may be preferentially vulnerable to mental health problems and psychopathology symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, hostility, and so on [ 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 ].…”

HIV epidemics in Shenzhen and Chongqing, China

“…Homosexuality that was once obscured by the contemporary Chinese society also emerged to become a legitimate lifestyle choice [ 43 ]. However, this increase in sexual activity were not accompanied by more sex education [ 44 , 45 ], which in turn fueled the HIV epidemics in both sex transmission routes.…”

“…3.72% of the national migrant population resided in Shenzhen [ 22 ]. The city attracts MSM from different areas of China due to its relatively tolerant social atmosphere and rapid economic growth [ 27 ].…”