Investigation of casual sex behaviors in men who have sex with men in Taizhou, Zhejiang, 2013–2016

ObjectiveTo understand the prevalence of casual sex behavior and related factors in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Taizhou, Zhejiang province.

MethodsFrom March 2013 to October 2016, MSM were recruited from MSM venues and through internet call. The information about the demography and sex behaviors of the MSM were collected by using questionnaire and HIV test was conducted for them.

ResultsA total of 1 499 MSM were recruited, in whom 663 (44.23%) reported casual sex in past 6 years, their HIV positive rate was 14.78%. Compared with MSM reporting no casual sex, more MSM reporting casual sex were aged ＜25 years (27.15% vs. 20.93%, χ²＝7.906, P＝0.005), had both heterosexual and homosexual behaviors (44.80% vs. 32.54%, χ²＝23.602, P＜0.001), had more than two homosexual partners (96.53% vs. 86.84%, χ²＝42.930, P＜0.001), had more than two heterosexual partners (60.94% vs. 51.20%, χ²＝14.200, P＜0.001). Logistic regression analysis indicated that factors associated with casual sex behavior included age, sexual orientation, number of male sexual partners, frequency of condoms use in anal sex in recent 6 months, commercial sexual behavior.

ConclusionThe prevalence of casual sex in MSM was high in Taizhou, and their complex behaviors would result in higher HIV infection and transmission risk. It is necessary to strengthen the intervention in MSM.