Skip to main content
Top
Published in: AIDS and Behavior 10/2016

01-10-2016 | Original Paper

Seeking Male Sexual Partners via Internet and Traditional Venues among Chinese Men Who Have Sex with Men: Implications for HIV Risk Reduction Interventions

Authors: Yu Liu, Juan Wang, Han-Zhu Qian, Hongjie Liu, Lu Yin, Hongyan Lu, Chen Zhang, Yuhua Ruan, Yiming Shao, Sten H. Vermund

Published in: AIDS and Behavior | Issue 10/2016

Login to get access

Abstract

The dynamic nature of finding male sexual partners (sex-finding) among Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM) may play a substantial role in the HIV epidemic. We compared characteristics and behaviors of MSM who mostly sought sex via the Internet versus traditional venues in a cross-sectional survey among 3588 Chinese MSM. We assessed the sociodemographic predictors and compared high-risk behaviors of using Internet versus traditional venues for sex-finding. Compared to non-Internet MSM, Internet-user MSM were more likely to have been: younger, currently single, better educated, health-insured, with higher income, with Beijing residency (‘Hukou’), living longer in the city, HIV-positive, ever using drug and engaging in condomless receptive anal sex. Internet sex-finding users were less likely to be sexually active for longer duration, drink alcohol, drink alcohol before sex, or ever have sex with women. Knowledge of differential characteristics of various sex-finding MSM can help design targeted interventions.
Literature
1.
go back to reference Lou J, Blevins M, Ruan Y, et al. Modeling the impact on HIV incidence of combination prevention strategies among men who have sex with men in Beijing, China. PLoS ONE. 2014;9(3):e90985.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Lou J, Blevins M, Ruan Y, et al. Modeling the impact on HIV incidence of combination prevention strategies among men who have sex with men in Beijing, China. PLoS ONE. 2014;9(3):e90985.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
2.
go back to reference State Council AIDS Working Committee Office (SCAWCO): China 2014 UNGASS Country Progress Report. Beijing CMoHotPsRoC. State Council AIDS Working Committee Office (SCAWCO): China 2014 UNGASS Country Progress Report. Beijing CMoHotPsRoC.
3.
go back to reference Zhong F, Liang B, Xu H, et al. Increasing HIV and decreasing syphilis prevalence in a context of persistently high unprotected anal intercourse, six consecutive annual surveys among men who have sex with men in Guangzhou, China, 2008 to 2013. PLoS ONE. 2014;9(7):e103136.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Zhong F, Liang B, Xu H, et al. Increasing HIV and decreasing syphilis prevalence in a context of persistently high unprotected anal intercourse, six consecutive annual surveys among men who have sex with men in Guangzhou, China, 2008 to 2013. PLoS ONE. 2014;9(7):e103136.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
4.
go back to reference Bai X, Luo S, Wang X, et al. Change of risky sexual behaviors among men who have sex with men before and after recent identification of HIV diagnosis. Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi. 2014;35(5):489–93.PubMed Bai X, Luo S, Wang X, et al. Change of risky sexual behaviors among men who have sex with men before and after recent identification of HIV diagnosis. Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi. 2014;35(5):489–93.PubMed
5.
go back to reference Chang YH, Liu WC, Chang SY, et al. Associated factors with syphilis among human immunodeficiency virus-infected men who have sex with men in Taiwan in the era of combination antiretroviral therapy. J Microbiol Immunol Infect. 2014;47(6):533–41.CrossRefPubMed Chang YH, Liu WC, Chang SY, et al. Associated factors with syphilis among human immunodeficiency virus-infected men who have sex with men in Taiwan in the era of combination antiretroviral therapy. J Microbiol Immunol Infect. 2014;47(6):533–41.CrossRefPubMed
6.
go back to reference Wang QQ, Chen XS, Yin YP, et al. HIV prevalence, incidence and risk behaviours among men who have sex with men in Yangzhou and Guangzhou, China: a cohort study. J Int AIDS Soc. 2014;17(1):18849.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Wang QQ, Chen XS, Yin YP, et al. HIV prevalence, incidence and risk behaviours among men who have sex with men in Yangzhou and Guangzhou, China: a cohort study. J Int AIDS Soc. 2014;17(1):18849.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
7.
go back to reference Liu Y, Sun X, Qian HZ, et al. Qualitative assessment of barriers and facilitators of access to HIV testing among men who have sex with men in China. AIDS Patient Care STDS. 2015;29(9):481–9.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Liu Y, Sun X, Qian HZ, et al. Qualitative assessment of barriers and facilitators of access to HIV testing among men who have sex with men in China. AIDS Patient Care STDS. 2015;29(9):481–9.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
8.
go back to reference Davis A, Best J, Wei C, et al. Intimate partner violence and correlates with risk behaviors and HIV/STI diagnoses among men who have sex with men and men who have sex with men and women in china: a hidden epidemic. Sex Transm Dis. 2015;42(7):387–92.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Davis A, Best J, Wei C, et al. Intimate partner violence and correlates with risk behaviors and HIV/STI diagnoses among men who have sex with men and men who have sex with men and women in china: a hidden epidemic. Sex Transm Dis. 2015;42(7):387–92.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
9.
go back to reference Tang W, Huan X, Mahapatra T, et al. Factors associated with unprotected anal intercourse among men who have sex with men: results from a respondent driven sampling survey in Nanjing, China, 2008. AIDS Behav. 2013;17(4):1415–22.CrossRefPubMed Tang W, Huan X, Mahapatra T, et al. Factors associated with unprotected anal intercourse among men who have sex with men: results from a respondent driven sampling survey in Nanjing, China, 2008. AIDS Behav. 2013;17(4):1415–22.CrossRefPubMed
10.
go back to reference Li Y, Xu J, Reilly KH, et al. Prevalence of HIV and syphilis infection among high school and college student MSM in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS ONE. 2013;8(7):e69137.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Li Y, Xu J, Reilly KH, et al. Prevalence of HIV and syphilis infection among high school and college student MSM in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS ONE. 2013;8(7):e69137.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
11.
go back to reference Lu H, Han Y, He X, et al. Alcohol use and HIV risk taking among Chinese MSM in Beijing. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2013;133:317–23.CrossRefPubMed Lu H, Han Y, He X, et al. Alcohol use and HIV risk taking among Chinese MSM in Beijing. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2013;133:317–23.CrossRefPubMed
12.
go back to reference Liu J, Qu B, Ezeakile MC, Zhang Y, Liang S. Factors associated with HIV infection among men who have sex with men in Henan province, China: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health. 2013;13:356.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Liu J, Qu B, Ezeakile MC, Zhang Y, Liang S. Factors associated with HIV infection among men who have sex with men in Henan province, China: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health. 2013;13:356.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
13.
go back to reference Ruan Y, Luo F, Jia Y, et al. Risk factors for syphilis and prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B and C among men who have sex with men in Beijing, China: implications for HIV prevention. AIDS Behav. 2009;13(4):663–70.CrossRefPubMed Ruan Y, Luo F, Jia Y, et al. Risk factors for syphilis and prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B and C among men who have sex with men in Beijing, China: implications for HIV prevention. AIDS Behav. 2009;13(4):663–70.CrossRefPubMed
14.
go back to reference Qi J, Zhang D, Fu X, et al. High risks of HIV transmission for men who have sex with men—a comparison of risk factors of HIV infection among MSM associated with recruitment channels in 15 cities of China. PLoS ONE. 2015;10(4):e0121267.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Qi J, Zhang D, Fu X, et al. High risks of HIV transmission for men who have sex with men—a comparison of risk factors of HIV infection among MSM associated with recruitment channels in 15 cities of China. PLoS ONE. 2015;10(4):e0121267.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
15.
go back to reference Lau JT, Zhao JK, Wu XB, Gu J, Hao C. Gay saunas and the risks of HIV and syphilis transmissions in China—results of a meta-analysis. J Sex Med. 2013;10(3):642–52.CrossRefPubMed Lau JT, Zhao JK, Wu XB, Gu J, Hao C. Gay saunas and the risks of HIV and syphilis transmissions in China—results of a meta-analysis. J Sex Med. 2013;10(3):642–52.CrossRefPubMed
16.
go back to reference Bien CH, Best JM, Muessig KE, Wei C, Han L, Tucker JD. Gay Apps for seeking sex partners in China: implications for MSM sexual health. AIDS Behav. 2015;19(6):941–6.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Bien CH, Best JM, Muessig KE, Wei C, Han L, Tucker JD. Gay Apps for seeking sex partners in China: implications for MSM sexual health. AIDS Behav. 2015;19(6):941–6.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
17.
go back to reference Bai X, Xu J, Yang J, et al. HIV prevalence and high-risk sexual behaviours among MSM repeat and first-time testers in China: implications for HIV prevention. J Int AIDS Soc. 2014;17:18848.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Bai X, Xu J, Yang J, et al. HIV prevalence and high-risk sexual behaviours among MSM repeat and first-time testers in China: implications for HIV prevention. J Int AIDS Soc. 2014;17:18848.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
19.
go back to reference Lau JT, Lau M, Cheung A, Tsui HY. A randomized controlled study to evaluate the efficacy of an Internet-based intervention in reducing HIV risk behaviors among men who have sex with men in Hong Kong. AIDS Care. 2008;20(7):820–8.CrossRefPubMed Lau JT, Lau M, Cheung A, Tsui HY. A randomized controlled study to evaluate the efficacy of an Internet-based intervention in reducing HIV risk behaviors among men who have sex with men in Hong Kong. AIDS Care. 2008;20(7):820–8.CrossRefPubMed
20.
go back to reference Tsui HY, Lau JT. Comparison of risk behaviors and socio-cultural profile of men who have sex with men survey respondents recruited via venues and the internet. BMC Public Health. 2010;10:232.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Tsui HY, Lau JT. Comparison of risk behaviors and socio-cultural profile of men who have sex with men survey respondents recruited via venues and the internet. BMC Public Health. 2010;10:232.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
21.
go back to reference Wu Z, Xu J, Liu E, et al. HIV and syphilis prevalence among men who have sex with men: a cross-sectional survey of 61 cities in China. Clin Infect Dis. 2013;57(2):298–309.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Wu Z, Xu J, Liu E, et al. HIV and syphilis prevalence among men who have sex with men: a cross-sectional survey of 61 cities in China. Clin Infect Dis. 2013;57(2):298–309.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
22.
go back to reference Kerr ZY, Pollack LM, Woods WJ, Blair J, Binson D. Use of multiple sex venues and prevalence of HIV risk behavior: identifying high-risk men who have sex with men. Arch Sex Behav. 2015;44(2):443–51.CrossRefPubMed Kerr ZY, Pollack LM, Woods WJ, Blair J, Binson D. Use of multiple sex venues and prevalence of HIV risk behavior: identifying high-risk men who have sex with men. Arch Sex Behav. 2015;44(2):443–51.CrossRefPubMed
23.
go back to reference Zhao J, Chen L, Cai WD, et al. HIV infection and sexual behaviors among non-commercial men who have sex with men at different venues. Arch Sex Behav. 2014;43(4):801–9.CrossRefPubMed Zhao J, Chen L, Cai WD, et al. HIV infection and sexual behaviors among non-commercial men who have sex with men at different venues. Arch Sex Behav. 2014;43(4):801–9.CrossRefPubMed
24.
go back to reference Hernandez-Romieu AC, Sullivan PS, Sanchez TH, et al. The comparability of men who have sex with men recruited from venue-time-space sampling and facebook: a cohort study. JMIR Res Protoc. 2014;3(3):e37.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Hernandez-Romieu AC, Sullivan PS, Sanchez TH, et al. The comparability of men who have sex with men recruited from venue-time-space sampling and facebook: a cohort study. JMIR Res Protoc. 2014;3(3):e37.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
25.
go back to reference Sanchez T, Smith A, Denson D, Dinenno E, Lansky A. Internet-based methods may reach higher-risk men who have sex with men not reached through venue-based sampling. Open AIDS J. 2012;6:83–9.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Sanchez T, Smith A, Denson D, Dinenno E, Lansky A. Internet-based methods may reach higher-risk men who have sex with men not reached through venue-based sampling. Open AIDS J. 2012;6:83–9.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
26.
go back to reference Hernan MA, Hernandez-Diaz S, Werler MM, Mitchell AA. Causal knowledge as a prerequisite for confounding evaluation: an application to birth defects epidemiology. Am J Epidemiol. 2002;155(2):176–84.CrossRefPubMed Hernan MA, Hernandez-Diaz S, Werler MM, Mitchell AA. Causal knowledge as a prerequisite for confounding evaluation: an application to birth defects epidemiology. Am J Epidemiol. 2002;155(2):176–84.CrossRefPubMed
27.
go back to reference Kipp AM, Pungrassami P, Nilmanat K, et al. Socio-demographic and AIDS-related factors associated with tuberculosis stigma in southern Thailand: a quantitative, cross-sectional study of stigma among patients with TB and healthy community members. BMC Public Health. 2011;11:675.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Kipp AM, Pungrassami P, Nilmanat K, et al. Socio-demographic and AIDS-related factors associated with tuberculosis stigma in southern Thailand: a quantitative, cross-sectional study of stigma among patients with TB and healthy community members. BMC Public Health. 2011;11:675.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
28.
go back to reference Li Q, Liu Y, Zhou Z, et al. Online sex-seeking behaviors among men who have sex with men: implications for investigation and intervention. AIDS Behav. 2012;16(6):1690–8.CrossRefPubMed Li Q, Liu Y, Zhou Z, et al. Online sex-seeking behaviors among men who have sex with men: implications for investigation and intervention. AIDS Behav. 2012;16(6):1690–8.CrossRefPubMed
29.
go back to reference Klein H. HIV risk practices sought by men who have sex with other men, and who use internet websites to identify potential sexual partners. Sex Health. 2008;5(3):243–50.CrossRefPubMed Klein H. HIV risk practices sought by men who have sex with other men, and who use internet websites to identify potential sexual partners. Sex Health. 2008;5(3):243–50.CrossRefPubMed
30.
go back to reference Rosser BR, Miner MH, Bockting WO, et al. HIV risk and the internet: results of the Men’s INTernet Sex (MINTS) study. AIDS Behav. 2009;13(4):746–56.CrossRefPubMed Rosser BR, Miner MH, Bockting WO, et al. HIV risk and the internet: results of the Men’s INTernet Sex (MINTS) study. AIDS Behav. 2009;13(4):746–56.CrossRefPubMed
31.
go back to reference Gravningen K, Aicken CR, Schirmer H, Mercer CH. Meeting sexual partners online: associated sexual behaviour and prevalent chlamydia infection among adolescents in Norway: a cross-sectional study. Sex Transm Infect. 2016;92(2):97–103.CrossRefPubMed Gravningen K, Aicken CR, Schirmer H, Mercer CH. Meeting sexual partners online: associated sexual behaviour and prevalent chlamydia infection among adolescents in Norway: a cross-sectional study. Sex Transm Infect. 2016;92(2):97–103.CrossRefPubMed
32.
go back to reference Wall KM, Stephenson R, Sullivan PS. Frequency of sexual activity with most recent male partner among young, Internet-using men who have sex with men in the United States. J Homosex. 2013;60(10):1520–38.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Wall KM, Stephenson R, Sullivan PS. Frequency of sexual activity with most recent male partner among young, Internet-using men who have sex with men in the United States. J Homosex. 2013;60(10):1520–38.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
33.
go back to reference Ross MW, Rosser BR, McCurdy S, Feldman J. The advantages and limitations of seeking sex online: a comparison of reasons given for online and offline sexual liaisons by men who have sex with men. J Sex Res. 2007;44(1):59–71.CrossRefPubMed Ross MW, Rosser BR, McCurdy S, Feldman J. The advantages and limitations of seeking sex online: a comparison of reasons given for online and offline sexual liaisons by men who have sex with men. J Sex Res. 2007;44(1):59–71.CrossRefPubMed
34.
go back to reference Huang L, Nehl EJ, Lin L, et al. Sociodemographic and sexual behavior characteristics of an online MSM sample in Guangdong, China. AIDS Care. 2014;26(5):648–52.CrossRefPubMed Huang L, Nehl EJ, Lin L, et al. Sociodemographic and sexual behavior characteristics of an online MSM sample in Guangdong, China. AIDS Care. 2014;26(5):648–52.CrossRefPubMed
35.
go back to reference Yang Z, Zhang S, Dong Z, Jin M, Han J. Prevalence of unprotected anal intercourse in men who have sex with men recruited online versus offline: a meta-analysis. BMC Public Health. 2014;14:508.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Yang Z, Zhang S, Dong Z, Jin M, Han J. Prevalence of unprotected anal intercourse in men who have sex with men recruited online versus offline: a meta-analysis. BMC Public Health. 2014;14:508.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
36.
go back to reference Zhang D, Bi P, Lv F, Tang H, Zhang J, Hiller JE. Internet use and risk behaviours: an online survey of visitors to three gay websites in China. Sex Transm Infect. 2007;83(7):571–6.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Zhang D, Bi P, Lv F, Tang H, Zhang J, Hiller JE. Internet use and risk behaviours: an online survey of visitors to three gay websites in China. Sex Transm Infect. 2007;83(7):571–6.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
37.
go back to reference Lee SS, Tam DK, Mak DW, Wong KH. Use of the internet for sex partnership in men who have sex with men before HIV infection. Public Health. 2011;125(7):433–5.CrossRefPubMed Lee SS, Tam DK, Mak DW, Wong KH. Use of the internet for sex partnership in men who have sex with men before HIV infection. Public Health. 2011;125(7):433–5.CrossRefPubMed
38.
go back to reference Muessig KE, Bien CH, Wei C, et al. A mixed-methods study on the acceptability of using eHealth for HIV prevention and sexual health care among men who have sex with men in China. J Med Internet Res. 2015;17(4):e100.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Muessig KE, Bien CH, Wei C, et al. A mixed-methods study on the acceptability of using eHealth for HIV prevention and sexual health care among men who have sex with men in China. J Med Internet Res. 2015;17(4):e100.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
39.
go back to reference Jin M, Yang Z, Dong Z, Han J. Correlates of consistent condom use among men who have sex with men recruited through the Internet in Huzhou city: a cross-sectional survey. BMC Public Health. 2013;13:1101.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Jin M, Yang Z, Dong Z, Han J. Correlates of consistent condom use among men who have sex with men recruited through the Internet in Huzhou city: a cross-sectional survey. BMC Public Health. 2013;13:1101.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
40.
go back to reference Lau JT, Kim JH, Lau M, Tsui HY. Prevalence and risk behaviors of Chinese men who seek same-sex partners via the internet in Hong Kong. AIDS Educ Prev. 2003;15(6):516–28.CrossRefPubMed Lau JT, Kim JH, Lau M, Tsui HY. Prevalence and risk behaviors of Chinese men who seek same-sex partners via the internet in Hong Kong. AIDS Educ Prev. 2003;15(6):516–28.CrossRefPubMed
41.
go back to reference Guo J, Huang XJ, Wang XB, Weng HY, Guo W. Estimation on the size of men who have sex with men among college students in Beijing through the Network Scale-Up Method (NSUM). Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi. 2013;34(11):1080–2.PubMed Guo J, Huang XJ, Wang XB, Weng HY, Guo W. Estimation on the size of men who have sex with men among college students in Beijing through the Network Scale-Up Method (NSUM). Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi. 2013;34(11):1080–2.PubMed
42.
go back to reference Qian HZ, Ruan Y, Liu Y, et al. Lower HIV risk among circumcised men who have sex with men in china: interaction with anal sex role in a cross-sectionals study. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2016;71(4):444–51.CrossRef Qian HZ, Ruan Y, Liu Y, et al. Lower HIV risk among circumcised men who have sex with men in china: interaction with anal sex role in a cross-sectionals study. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2016;71(4):444–51.CrossRef
43.
go back to reference Liu Y, Qian HZ, Ruan Y, et al. Alcohol use among Chinese men who have sex with men: an epidemiological survey and meta-analysis. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:414381.PubMedPubMedCentral Liu Y, Qian HZ, Ruan Y, et al. Alcohol use among Chinese men who have sex with men: an epidemiological survey and meta-analysis. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:414381.PubMedPubMedCentral
44.
go back to reference Wang B, Li X, Stanton B, Liu Y, Jiang S. Socio-demographic and behavioral correlates for HIV and syphilis infections among migrant men who have sex with men in Beijing, China. AIDS Care. 2013;25(2):249–57.CrossRefPubMed Wang B, Li X, Stanton B, Liu Y, Jiang S. Socio-demographic and behavioral correlates for HIV and syphilis infections among migrant men who have sex with men in Beijing, China. AIDS Care. 2013;25(2):249–57.CrossRefPubMed
45.
go back to reference Mao H, Ma W, Lu H, et al. High incidence of HIV and syphilis among migrant men who have sex with men in Beijing, China: a prospective cohort study. BMJ Open. 2014;4(9):e005351.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Mao H, Ma W, Lu H, et al. High incidence of HIV and syphilis among migrant men who have sex with men in Beijing, China: a prospective cohort study. BMJ Open. 2014;4(9):e005351.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
46.
go back to reference Halkitis PN, Parsons JT, Wilton L. Barebacking among gay and bisexual men in New York City: explanations for the emergence of intentional unsafe behavior. Arch Sex Behav. 2003;32(4):351–7.CrossRefPubMed Halkitis PN, Parsons JT, Wilton L. Barebacking among gay and bisexual men in New York City: explanations for the emergence of intentional unsafe behavior. Arch Sex Behav. 2003;32(4):351–7.CrossRefPubMed
47.
Metadata
Title
Seeking Male Sexual Partners via Internet and Traditional Venues among Chinese Men Who Have Sex with Men: Implications for HIV Risk Reduction Interventions
Authors
Yu Liu
Juan Wang
Han-Zhu Qian
Hongjie Liu
Lu Yin
Hongyan Lu
Chen Zhang
Yuhua Ruan
Yiming Shao
Sten H. Vermund
Publication date
01-10-2016
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
AIDS and Behavior / Issue 10/2016
Print ISSN: 1090-7165
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3254
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-016-1371-4

Other articles of this Issue 10/2016

AIDS and Behavior 10/2016 Go to the issue