[The association between the characteristics of egocentric network and HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men].

Objective

This study aimed to analyze the association between the characteristics of egocentric network and HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM) through social network analysis.

Methods

The study was conducted in Guangzhou city from November 2016 to June 2017 using convenient sampling method. Participants were recruited from 13 voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) locations. Data were collected by using nomination generation and nomination interpretation methods. Questionnaire includes two parts, the first part about the social tie, and the second one about social demography and behavioral characteristics of respondents and their nominees. The multivariate logistic regression was applied to quantify the association.

Results

8.67%(93/1 073) HIV antibody positive MSM had been detected in 1 073 respondents who nominated 4 301 partners in total. Compared to egocentric sexual network with a size of 1-2, the size of sexual network larger than 3 (OR=1.68, 95%CI: 1.07-2.65) were associated with HIV infection. Compared to egocentric risk sexual network with a size of 1-2, the size of risk sexual networks larger than 3 (OR=1.87, 95%CI: 1.06-3.31) were associated with HIV infection. There were no significant association between marital similarity of respondents and their nominees, the type of the relationship of sexual partners and HIV prevalence (P>0.05).

Conclusion

The composition of social network in MSM is related to their susceptibility of HIV infection. MSM population with a large sexual network is more susceptible to HIV infection.