Concurrent sexual partnerships among Chinese men: Evidence from a national population-based survey

Abstract

We sought to determine the pattern of the concurrent sexual partnerships among Chinese men and its correlates with individual, partnership and community factors. Using data from the Chinese Health and Family Life Survey, we examined the prevalence and distribution of sexual concurrency of 1689 men. A two-level logistic regression was employed to assess variables associated with sexual concurrency. Nine percent of men had concurrent sexual partnerships in preceding year. Sexual concurrency was associated with higher income (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.48), longer traveling time (OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.44 to 2.87), and more frequent socializing activities (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.30). Men who perpetrated domestic violence (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.20 to 3.08) and perceived partners having other concurrent partners (OR, 4.19; 95% CI, 1.95 to 9.02) were more likely to have concurrent sexual partnerships. Tolerant community attitude towards sexual behavior and community education level showed effects on men’s concurrency involvement. The results contribute to a better understanding of the potential role of concurrent sexual partnerships in the spread of HIV and other STIs in China. Key words: Concurrent sexual partnerships, risk factors, human immunodeficiency virusprevention, Chinese men.