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HIV-Related Behavioral Studies of Men Who Have Sex with Men in China: A Systematic Review and Recommendations for Future Research

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Abstract

HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM) has increased significantly in China since early 2000, with MSM accounting for 32.5% of the newly infected HIV cases in China in 2009. This study reviews a total of 33 studies published in English literature on MSM in China from 2000 to 2009. Existing studies indicated that frequently MSM in China were married (especially older MSM); a majority were migrants and self-identified as gay. A large and increasing proportion of MSM sought sexual partners online. Sexual risk behaviors among MSM were prevalent, including high rates of unprotected sex, concurrent sexual relationships with both men and women, and commercial sex. Illicit drug use, however, was relatively low among general Chinese MSM, but higher among those engaged in commercial sex with men. The existing literature suggests a lack of socio-behavioral studies, lack of intervention studies specifically targeting MSM, and lack of studies in smaller cities, towns, and rural areas. Future studies need to employ more rigorous research methodology, including longitudinal study design, multiple sampling methods, and common measurements of HIV-related risk behaviors.

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Acknowledgments

The study described in this report was supported by NIH Research Grant R01NR10498 by the National Institute of Nursing Research and National Institute of Mental Health. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institute of Nursing Research and National Institute of Mental Health. The authors wish to thank Joanne Zwemer for help in preparing the manuscript.

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  1. Prevention Research Center, Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Hutzel Building Suite W534 Bin #502, 4707 St Antoine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA

    Yan Guo, Xiaoming Li & Bonita Stanton

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  1. Yan Guo
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  2. Xiaoming Li
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  3. Bonita Stanton
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Correspondence to Yan Guo.

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Guo, Y., Li, X. & Stanton, B. HIV-Related Behavioral Studies of Men Who Have Sex with Men in China: A Systematic Review and Recommendations for Future Research. AIDS Behav 15, 521–534 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-010-9808-7

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