Cross-sectional investigation on HIV prevalence and HIV related risk behavior among men who have sex with men in Taizhou, Zhejiang

Objective To understand the HIV infection status and related risk behaviors among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Taizhou, Zhejiang province. Methods The questionnaire survey about HIV related risk behaviors and serological detection were conducted among the MSM in Taizhou from January to August 2012. Results Totally 312 MSM received the questionnaire survey and serological detection, among them 143 (45.8%) were married and 205 (65.7%) were local residents. The awareness rate of knowledge about HIV/AIDS among the MSM was 89.1%. Among the 312 MSM, 253 (81.1%) reported having sex with males, 155 (61.3%) used condom at the latest sex and only 7 (2.77%) used condom at each sex. In addition, 106 MSM (33.97%) reported having sex with females, 38 of them (35.9%) used condom at the latest sex and 26 (18.9%) used condom at each commercial sex. Among the 312 MSM receiving HIV, syphilis and HCV test, 50 (16.0%), 42 (13.5%) and 1 (0.3%) were positive respectively. Conclusion The awareness rate of knowledge about HIV/AIDS among the MSM was high, but HIV related behaviors were prevalent among them, indicating HIV transmission potential, even to female sexual partners.