AIDSImpact.com:: - Santa Fe, USA 2011

Abstract #177 - Online sex-seeking and sexual risk behaviors among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China
Authors: Presenting Author: Miss Yan Guo - Wayne State University School of Medicine
Additional Authors: Prof. Bo Wang, Prof. Xiaoming Li, Dr. Bonita Stanton, Prof. Yan Hong, Ms. Chen Zhang, Prof. Xiaoyi Fang,
Aim: The Internet has become increasingly popular as a means for seeking sexual partners. Few studies have examined the possible effects of online sex-seeking on HIV/STI risk among MSM and yielded inconsistent results. This study examines HIV/STI related sexual risk behaviors of MSM who used the Internet to look for sex partners compared to MSM who did not.
Method / Issue: A community sample of 307 migrant MSM 18-29 years of age was recruited in Beijing, China. Self-administered survey was conducted to collect information on demographics, sexual and other risk behaviors. Blood specimens were collected to test for HIV and syphilis infections. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed.
Results / Comments: Two-thirds of the MSM had used the Internet to find a partner in the past six months. Nearly half had sex with online partner(s) when they met face to face for the first time. MSM who found partners online were more likely to have more than 10 male sexual partners in the past year, and to engage in commercial sex with men and women. MSM who found partners online were less likely to use condoms with their regular partners and were more likely to be infected with HIV (OR=5.01, 95%CI: 1.67-23.52).
Discussion: A large percentage of MSM used the Internet to look for sex partners, and online sex-seeking is associated with sexual risk behavior and HIV infection. Future research is needed to determine the feasibility and efficacy of using Internet as a venue for HIV risk reduction among MSM in China.
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