15th International AIDS Conference Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. WeOrC1331)

Choi K, Lui H, Guo Y, Han L, Mandel JS
Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS), University of California-San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, United States

BACKGROUND: China is experiencing concentrated HIV epidemics among injection drug users, sex workers, and former plasma donors. Although men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk for HIV, little is known about their HIV test seeking behavior.

METHODS: We conducted, to our knowledge, the first large HIV prevalence survey of MSM in Beijing, China. From September 2001 to January 2002, we recruited participants through social networks and in MSM venues (bars, parks, bathhouses). We conducted HIV testing and counseling and a face-to-face standardized interview. Of 501 men screened, 489 met eligibility criteria (18+ years old, lifetime same-gender sex, living in Beijing) and 482 agreed to participate.

RESULTS: HIV prevalence was 3.1% (15 HIV+ cases). The mean age of participants was 27 years old (range 18-69); 59% had no college education; 15% had been married; 59% self-identified as gay and 34% as bisexual; and 65% had no legal Beijing residence permit. Eighty-two percent (393) had never tested for HIV before the study. The most common reasons for not testing were: [table: see text] Of 15 participants who tested positive for HIV in our study, 14 (93%) did not know their status before being tested in the study.

CONCLUSIONS: A majority of MSM at risk for HIV in Beijing has never tested. Almost all HIV+ men in our study were unaware of their infection. A perception of low risk was the major reason for not seeking HIV testing. Findings suggest the urgent need to promote HIV testing in Beijing MSM.

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WeOrC1331

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