An epidemiological analysis on HIV infection status and related risk behaviors in men who have sex with men in Taizhou, Zhejiang, 2013–2016

ObjectiveTo analyze the trend of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and the prevalence of related risk behaviors in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Taizhou, Zhejiang province, from 2013 to 2016 and provide evidence for the prevention and control of HIV infection.MethodsThe sentinel surveillance data in MSM in Taizhou from 2013 to 2016 were used to analyze the annual prevalence of HIV infection, acquired immure deficiency syndrome(AIDS) related knowledge awareness and sexual behaviors in MSM and logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for HIV infection.ResultsThe average age of 1 750 MSM was (36.50±13.80) years. Among the MSM, 44.80% were married or cohabited, 67.43% were local residents in the province and 53.78% had education level of high school and above. The prevalence of HIV infection, HCV infection and syphilis were 12.57%, 0.29% and 7.77% respectively, and the AIDS related knowledge awareness rate was 91.14%. Moreover, 89.96%, 6.09% and 36.40% of them reported having anal sex with men, having commercial sex with men and having sex with women in recent 6 months, respectively, with the consistent condom use rates of 42.23%, 58.33% and 21.66%. The rate of consistent condom use in anal sex during recent 6 months increased year by year (χ2trend＝14.207, P＜0.001). The proportion of MSM reporting drug abuse also increased year by year (χ2trend＝11.002, P＝0.001). Multivariate analysis found that suffering from syphilis was a risk factor for HIV infection, while consistent condom use, AIDS related knowledge awareness and intervention services were the protective factors.ConclusionThe prevalence of HIV infection was high and HIV related behavior was common in MSM in Taizhou in recent years. Efforts to disseminate knowledge of disease prevention, promote consistent condom use and reduce unprotected sex in MSM are urgently needed.