Psychological characteristics in high-risk MSM in China

Abstract

BackgroundMen who have sex with men (MSM) have become a high-risk group of HIV infection in China. To date, little is known regarding the behavioral, social and psychological characteristics in Chinese MSM, which makes the implementation of preventive and therapeutic strategies for this high-risk subpopulation of people extremely difficult.MethodsA total of 714 questionnaires were retrieved from the database of a Chinese government-sponsored National Key Research Project titled "Risk Analysis and Strategic Prevention of HIV Transmission from MSM to the General Population in China". The respondents were categorized into a high-risk group and a control group. Their behavioral, social and psychological characteristics were comparatively analyzed.ResultsOf the 714 MSM analyzed, 59 (8.26%) had high-risk homosexual behaviors. This sub-group of MSM had a higher in-marriage rate, a higher monthly income, heavier alcohol consumption and more serious problems with sexual abuse in childhood, intentional suicide attempts and mistaken assumption on condom's role in protecting HIV infection, as compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In contrast, the two groups did not differ significantly the sexual orientation, level of education, types of profession, drug use, condom use and experience of social stigma and discrimination (P > 0.05). A vast majority of the individuals in both behavior categories expressed support of legally protected gay clubs as well as gay marriage legislation in China. There was a strong correlation between high-risk behaviors and sexual abuse in childhood, alcohol drinking, income level and a mistaken belief in perfect HIV protection through the use of condoms.ConclusionsMSM with and without high-risk homosexual behaviors have different social and psychological characteristics, which should be taken into account when implementing behavioral and therapeutic interventions aimed at preventing HIV/AIDS transmission among MSM as well as from MSM to the general population in China.

HIV test uptake among MSM in China: Implications for enhanced HIV test promotion campaigns among key populations

“…Previous studies have shown that higher education and self-perceived risk for HIV are positively correlated with history of HIV testing (Han et al, 2014; Xun et al, 2013). Further, in China close to one-half of MSM are likely to be married (Chen et al, 2012). Married MSM are more likely to have had sex with women and may be more reluctant than single MSM to access HIV testing due to fear of sexuality disclosure (Bien et al, 2013).…”

Prevalence and correlates of alcohol use and subsequent sexual activity among adult males in a rural community of ethnic minorities in Yunnan Province, China

“…The global literature, including the limited number of studies in China, suggests that alcohol use and abuse are positively associated with a number of risky sexual behaviors and outcomes such as unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV and syphilis (10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(32)(33)(34)(35). However, these studies often examine global instead of temporal (i.e., sex after drinking) associations.…”

Roles of Self-Stigma, Social Support, and Positive and Negative Affects as Determinants of Depressive Symptoms Among HIV Infected Men who have Sex with Men in China

“…HIV-related stigma is one of the strongest determinants of psychological problems (e.g., depression) among MSM [17, 18] and PLWH in China [19]. High levels of stigma and discrimination experienced by PLWH has been well documented [20].…”