[Change of risky sexual behaviors among men who have sex with men before and after recent identification of HIV diagnosis].

OBJECTIVE

To assess the change of sexual behaviors before and after HIV was recently identified among men who have sex with men (MSM).

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on recently identified HIV-infected MSM in Chengdu and Tianjin. A face-to-face questionnaire interview was administrated to collect sexual behaviors within six months, before and after HIV was diagnosed. Differences in sexual behavior before and after the diagnosis were assessed, using the McNemar χ(2) test. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors for sexually risk behaviors.

RESULTS

Of 129 HIV-infected MSM under survey, the average age was 31.8 years and the main venue in seeking male sex partners was through Internet. The proportions of MSM with unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) decreased from 70.5% before diagnosis to 16.3% after diagnosis and the percentage of having more than 1 partner decreased from 66.7% before diagnosis to 33.3% after diagnosis. After the diagnosis was made, there appeared a significant decrease in the percentage of persons who had one main partner from 72.9% to 55.0% and having casual partners declined from 62.8% to 31.0% . Data from multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that risk factors as UAI before diagnosis, more than 1 partner after diagnosis and having one main partner, were all significantly associated with UAI after diagnosis. After the diagnosis was made for UAI, risk factors for 'having more than 1 partner' after diagnosis, would include:using Internet to seek for sexual partners, after diagnosis, having one main partner but not disclosing to him.

CONCLUSION

After the diagnosis was made, most HIV-infected MSM would reduce their high risk sexual behaviors but some continued to practice UAI.