Status of HIV infection among men who have sex with men in Harbin, 2009-2018

Abstract

Objective: To explore the status of HIV infection, time trends and related factors of MSM in Harbin from 2009 to 2018 and provide evidences for comprehensive prevention and control strategies of MSM HIV/AIDS. Methods: From April to July during 2009-2018, continuous cross-sectional studies were conducted on MSM recruited through snowball sampling. The unified questionnaire was used to collect demographic, behavioral, and serological information. The SPSS 23.0 software was used for statistical analysis, and the Joinpoint 4.8.0.1 software was applied to the annual percent change (APC) for time trends analysis using the Joinpoint regression model. Results: A total of 4 813 MSM were surveyed in Harbin from 2009 to 2018. The overall HIV antibody positive rate was 11.3 % ( 543/4 813). Joinpoint regression analysis showed that there was an increase in the HIV antibody positive rate from 2009 to 2015, while the segmentation point was in 2015 (Z=4.2, P<0.05) but, there was a decrease from 2015 to 2018(Z=-1.3, P=0.3). The positive rate of syphilis antibody was 12.9% (621/4 813). There was a decrease in the positive rate of syphilis antibodies from 2009 to 2013 (Z=-2.8,P<0.05). There was a decrease in the positive rate of syphilis antibodies from 2013 to 2018 (Z=-0.7,P=0.5). Results from multiple logistic aggression analysis showed that the risk factors associated with the prevalence of HIV infection including network recruitment (aOR=1.307, 95%CI: 1.057-1.617), age 30 and above (aOR=1.905, 95%CI: 1.235-2.939) and syphilis antibody positive (aOR=4.728, 95%CI: 3.751-5.961). Protective factors appeared: knowledge of HIV/AIDS (aOR=0.598, 95%CI: 0.433-0.825) and consistent use of condom during anal sex in the past six months (aOR=0.683, 95%CI: 0.550-0.850). Conclusions: The HIV antibody positive rate peaked in 2015 among MSM in Harbin from 2009 to 2018, first increased and then decreased. The positive rate of syphilis antibody showed a decreasing trend. Intervention models based on social media software, age 30 and above and syphilis antibody-positive need to be explored. It also promotes condom use and referral for syphilis among MSM.