Survey on HIV/AIDS-related high risk behaviors among male sex workers in two cities in China

Abstract

To investigate HIV/AIDS-related high-risk behaviors and condom use among male sex workers (MSW). A cross-sectional survey in which 'snow-ball' sampling was used to recruit 85 male sex workers in Beijing and Qingdao City. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to obtain quantitative information on HIV related high-risk behaviors and condom use. The rate of receptive anal intercourse, insertive anal intercourse, receptive oral sex and insertive oral sex with clients was 57.6, 48.2, 65.8 and 65.8%, respectively. The rate of condom use while having above sex with clients was 53.1, 70.7, 23.2 and 19.6%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that consistent condom use with commercial receptive anal intercourse was associated with having regular partners, regretting their involvement in the sex trade, serving both male and female clients, and being required to use a condom by clients. Factors associated with condom use in commercial insertive sex included: age older than 20 years, knowing the protective effect of condom use, and being required to use a condom by clients. HIV-related high-risk behaviors were common among male sex workers. HIV prevention activities should be delivered through websites and in the sites where male sex workers and their clients usually meet, such as bars, bathhouses or saunas, and parks. Preventive measures targeting this population are urgently needed, given their particular vulnerability, and infections are likely to disseminate into the general population given the high proportion of bisexual activity and marriage.