Nitrite Inhalants Use and HIV Infection among Men Who Have Sex with Men in China

Abstract

Objective. This is the first study in China to examine the use of nitrite inhalants and its correlates among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Beijing, China. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2012. Structured interviews collected data on demographics, sexual and drug use behaviors, and the use of HIV services. Blood specimens were collected and tested for HIV and syphilis. Results. A total of 400 MSM eligible for the study were between 19 and 63 years of age and overall HIV prevalence was 6.0% (9.0% among nitrite inhalant users and 3.3% among nonusers). Nearly half (47.3%) of them reported ever using nitrite inhalants and 42.3% admitted using nitrite inhalants in the past year. Multivariable logistic analysis revealed that ever using nitrite inhalants in the past was independently associated with being aged ≤25 years, having higher education attainment, seeking sex via Internet, having casual partners in the past three months, and being HIV positive. Conclusion. The use of nitrite inhalants was alarmingly prevalent among MSM in Beijing. The independent association of the nitrite inhalant use with more casual sex partners and HIV infection underscored the need for intervention and prevention of nitrite inhalant use.

Poppers use and risky sexual behaviors among men who have sex with men in Beijing, China

“…The prevalence is similar to those reported from other studies conducted in Beijing (28.3%; Wang et al, 2015) and Shenyang (26.5%; Xu et al, 2014b), but lower than the lifetime use rate (47.3%) and 1-year use rate (42.3%) among MSM in Beijing (Li et al, 2014). Previous studies in the United States, Canada and Brazil have reported that the most popular drugs used among MSM are methamphetamine, marijuana or ecstasy (Mansergh et al, 2006; Patterson et al, 2005; Rajasingham et al, 2012; Ramchand et al, 2013; Reback et al, 2013; Remy et al, 2013; Rusch et al, 2004).…”

Syphilis associated with recreational drug use, depression and high-risk sexual behaviour in men who have sex with men: a case–control study in China

“…Those infected with syphilis were two times more likely to report frequent methamphetamine use. The findings of this study are consistent with recent reports in Shandong province indicating a recent upsurge in recreational drug use, especially the frequency of methamphetamine use 10. This study underscores the overwhelming challenges ahead to control the emerging syndemic of syphilis and recreational drugs use among MSM, especially noting the additional strong associations of depression and high-risk sexual behaviours.…”

“…Recreational drug use may be a marker of higher sexual risk taking, may disinhibit high-risk sexual behaviour and/or there may be biological facilitation of transmission from a drying of mucosa and epithelial compromise of the penis or anus with prolonged sexual activity 9. As we previously reported,10 recreational drugs such as rush poppers and methamphetamines are used in MSM communities as sexual stimulants. Recreational drug use (both lifetime and last month) was more common in MSM versus heterosexual men 11.…”

Trends of HIV subtypes and phylogenetic dynamics among young men who have sex with men in China, 2009–2014

“…Ten years ago, illicit drug use was uncommon among Chinese MSM 13 14 15 . Our previous study results showed that the use of nitrite inhalants was alarmingly prevalent among MSM in Beijing, and 47.3% of the participants used nitrite inhalants which were associated with high-risks of HIV infection in 2012 25 , while the proportion was only 0.8% during 2006–2007 13 . Drug abuse is common among MSM in Western countries and significantly contributes to HIV spread in that population 26 27 .…”