HIV incidence and risk factors in Chinese young men who have sex with men--a prospective cohort study.

Zhenxin Dong,Zhi Dou,Guohui Wu,Fan Li,For The China National Hiv Prevention Study Group ,Limei Shen,Hongbo Zhang,Xiangdong Min,Zunyou Wu,Yuhua Ruan,Jie Xu,Min She,Tian Li,Guanghua Lan,Guodong Mi,Zhen Ning

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0097527

Abstract

ObjectivesTo assess HIV incidence and its associated risk factors among young men who have sex with men (YMSM) in urban areas, China.DesignThe study used a prospective cohort study design and standard diagnostic tests.MethodsA twelve-month prospective cohort study was conducted among YMSM (18–25 years old) in 8 large cities in China. The participants were recruited via snowball sampling. A total of 1102 HIV-negative YMSM completed baseline assessment, 878 YMSM participants completed 6-month follow-up, and 902 completed 12-month follow-up. HIV was screened by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and confirmed with Western Blot. Syphilis was screened via rapid plasma reagent and confirmed by treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay.Results78 HIV seroconversions were identified within 1168.4 person-year observations yielding an incidence rate of 6.7 per 100 person-years. HIV seroconversion was associated with non-student status (RR = 2.61, 90% CI = 1.3–5.26), low HIV transmission knowledge (RR = 8.87, 90% CI = 2.16–36.43), and syphilis infection (RR = 5.04, 90% CI = 2.57–9.90).ConclusionsIncidence of HIV among YMSM is high in urban areas of China. Interventions measures are required to contain the HIV epidemic within this population.

Highlights

The heavy burden of HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) has been demonstrated around world
Incidence of HIV among young men who have sex with men (YMSM) is high in urban areas of China
A total of 1102 YMSM enrolled in the cohort study, and the median age was (22.0362.07) years with a range from 18 to 25 years

Summary

Introduction

The heavy burden of HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) has been demonstrated around world. The HIV prevalence within this subpopulation appears to be rising rapidly and MSM continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV in many international settings [1]. HIV prevalence among MSM in developed countries has been well characterized. High prevalence of HIV among MSM in middle and low-income countries has been identified [1]. A review for the studies conducted between 2000 and 2006 estimated the prevalence of HIV among MSM was 17.9% in sub-Saharan Africa, 14.7% among MSM in South and Southeast Asia, 14.9% in central and South America, 25.4% in the Caribbean, and 5.2% in East Asia [1]

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