Trends in prevalence of HIV, syphilis, hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and sexual risk behavior among men who have sex with men. Results of 3 consecutive respondent-driven sampling surveys in Beijing, 2004 through 2006.
BACKGROUND
Studies tracking trends in HIV prevalence and risk behavior among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China are rare. We report on 3 consecutive cross-sectional surveys measuring the prevalence of HIV, other infectious diseases, and related risk behavior among MSM in Beijing in 2004, 2005, and 2006.


METHODS
We applied respondent-driven sampling (RDS) to recruit MSM for a structured face-to-face interview on demographic characteristics and HIV risk-related behavior. Blood specimens were drawn for HIV syphilis, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing.


RESULTS
A total of 325 MSM participated in 2004, 427 in 2005, and 540 in 2006. HIV prevalence was 0.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.1 to 0.8) in 2004, 4.6% (95% CI: 2.2 to 7.6) in 2005, and 5.8% (95% CI: 3.4 to 8.5) in 2006. This apparent rise was accompanied by an increase in syphilis and self-reported history of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), high prevalence of multiple sex partners, and low consistent condom use. HCV prevalence also increased, from 0.4% (95% CI: 0.1 to 0.8) in 2004 to 5.2% (95% CI: 2.3 to 8.2) in 2006.


CONCLUSIONS
We detected a possible rising prevalence of HIV and related risk behavior among MSM in Beijing using RDS in each of 3 consecutive years. Practical measures, including MSM-friendly HIV testing, STD services, and health provider education, are urgently needed to stop the further spread of HIV in this population.
Ma
Xiaoyan
X
Beijing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.
Zhang
Qiyun
Q
He
Xiong
X
Sun
Weidong
W
Yue
Hai
H
Chen
Sanny
S
Raymond
H Fisher
HF
Li
Yang
Y
Xu
Min
M
Du
Hui
H
McFarland
Willi
W
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006678:HIV; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012494:Sampling Studies; D018571:Sentinel Surveillance; D012747:Sexual Partners; D013587:Syphilis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014505:Urban Population