Synthetic drug use and HIV infection among men who have sex with men in China: A sixteen-city, cross-sectional survey

HIV prevalence is still rapidly increasing among Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM). The Internet also makes it easier for MSM to have casual partners. This study aims to evaluate the trend of Internet-based sex-seeking behavior of MSM and its impact on HIV prevalence, the distribution of HIV subtype strains, and transmitted drug resistance rates. A serial cross-sectional study was conducted from 2009 to 2014. Of the 1,981 MSM, 50.5% (1,000/1,981) mainly sought homosexual partners through the Internet (Internet-based MSM, IBM). The proportion of IBM among total MSM subjects increased from 43.3% to 61.5% (p<0.001). HIV prevalence of IBM increased from 5.7% to 20.7%, while that of non-Internet-based MSM (NIBM) increased from 7.0% to 14.7%. A relative higher proportion of NIBM were infected with HIV CRF01_AE subtype than IBM (79.5% versus 72.2%, p=0.52). Multivariable analysis found IBM had a significantly higher HIV prevalence than NIBM (13.2% versus 10.5%, aOR = 1.4, 95% CI [1.0–1.9]). Being a migrant non-Shenyang resident MSM (aOR = 1.9, 95% CI [1.3–2.9]) and occasionally/never using condoms with casual homosexual partners (aOR = 1.7, 95% CI [1.1–2.6]) were two distinct risk factors for HIV infection in IBM. More efforts should be targeted towards developing interventions aimed at IBM, particularly migrant MSM and who engage in UAI with casual homosexual partners.

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Nitrite Inhalants Use and HIV Infection among Men Who Have Sex with Men in China

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2014/365261 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Dongliang Li ◽

Xueying Yang ◽

Zheng Zhang ◽

Xiao Qi ◽

Yuhua Ruan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hiv Infection ◽

Casual Sex ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Past ◽

Logistic Analysis ◽

Independent Association ◽

Blood Specimens ◽

Sex With Men

Objective. This is the first study in China to examine the use of nitrite inhalants and its correlates among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Beijing, China.Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2012. Structured interviews collected data on demographics, sexual and drug use behaviors, and the use of HIV services. Blood specimens were collected and tested for HIV and syphilis.Results. A total of 400 MSM eligible for the study were between 19 and 63 years of age and overall HIV prevalence was 6.0% (9.0% among nitrite inhalant users and 3.3% among nonusers). Nearly half (47.3%) of them reported ever using nitrite inhalants and 42.3% admitted using nitrite inhalants in the past year. Multivariable logistic analysis revealed that ever using nitrite inhalants in the past was independently associated with being aged≤25years, having higher education attainment, seeking sex via Internet, having casual partners in the past three months, and being HIV positive.Conclusion. The use of nitrite inhalants was alarmingly prevalent among MSM in Beijing. The independent association of the nitrite inhalant use with more casual sex partners and HIV infection underscored the need for intervention and prevention of nitrite inhalant use.

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HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men following the implementation of the HIV preventive guideline in Tanzania: respondent-driven sampling survey

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-036460 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (10) ◽

pp. e036460

Author(s):

Mwijage Alexander Ishungisa ◽

Kare Moen ◽

Germana Leyna ◽

Neema Makyao ◽

Angela Ramadhan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Hiv Infection ◽

Primary Outcome ◽

Behavioural Change ◽

Dar Es Salaam ◽

Hiv Prevalence ◽

Respondent Driven Sampling ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sex With Men

ObjectivesTo estimate HIV prevalence and associated risk factors among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania following the implementation of the national comprehensive package of HIV interventions for key population (CHIP).DesignA cross-sectional survey using respondent-driven sampling.SettingDar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city.ParticipantsMen who occasionally or regularly have sex with another man, aged 18 years and above and living in Dar es Salaam city at least 6 months preceding the study.Primary outcome measureHIV prevalence was the primary outcome. Independent risk factors for HIV infection were examined using weighted logistics regression modelling.ResultsA total of 777 MSM with a mean age of 26 years took part in the study. The weighted HIV prevalence was 8.3% (95% CI: 6.3%–10.9%) as compared with 22.3% (95% CI: 18.7%–26.4%) observed in a similar survey in 2014. Half of the participants had had sex with more than two partners in the month preceding the survey. Among those who had engaged in transactional sex, 80% had used a condom during last anal sex with a paying partner. Participants aged 25 and above had four times higher odds of being infected than those aged 15–19 years. HIV infection was associated with multiple sexual partnerships (adjusted OR/AOR, 3.0; 95% CI: 1.8–12.0), not having used condom during last sex with non-paying partner (AOR, 4.1; 95% CI: 1.4–7.8) and ever having engaged in group sex (AOR, 3.4; 95% CI: 1.7–3.6).ConclusionHIV prevalence among MSM in Dar es Salaam has decreased by more than a half over the past 5 years, coinciding with implementation of the CHIP. It is nonetheless two times as high as that of men in the general population. To achieve the 2030 goal, behavioural change interventions and roll out of new intervention measures such as pre-exposure prophylaxis are urgently needed.

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Drug related and psychopathological symptoms in HIV-positive men who have sex with men who inject drugs during sex (Slamsex): Data from the U-SEX GESIDA 9416 Study

10.1101/703272 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Helen Dolengevich-Segal ◽

Alicia Gonzalez-Baeza ◽

Jorge Valencia ◽

Eulalia Valencia-Ortega ◽

Alfonso Cabello ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Drug Use ◽

Psychiatric Symptoms ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

Hiv Positive ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Psychopathological Symptoms ◽

Sex With Men ◽

Hiv Positive Men

ABSTRACTObjectivesIntravenous sexualized drug use also known as slamsex seems to be increasing among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM). This practice may entail severe consequences for physical and mental health in this population. Research on the subject is scarce. The aim of our study was to describe the psychopathological background of a sample of HIV positive MSM who practiced slamsex during the previous year and compare the physical and psychological symptoms between these participants and those who practiced sexualized drug use (SDU) or chemsex without slamsex.Design and MethodsParticipants (HIV-positive MSM) were recruited from the U-Sex study in 22 HIV clinics in Madrid during 2016-17. All participants completed an anonymous cross-sectional survey on sexual behaviour and recreational drug use. The present analysis is based on HIV-positive MSM who had practiced SDU.ResultsThe survey sample comprised 742 participants. Of all the participants who completed the survey, 216 (29.1%) practiced chemsex, and of these, 34 (15.7%) had practiced slamsex. Participants who practiced slamsex were more likely to have current psychopathology (depression, anxiety and drug related disorders) than chemsex users. In addition, participants who practiced slamsex had more high-risk sexual behaviours, polydrug use and were more often diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and hepatitis C than those who did not inject drugs. Compared with patients who did not inject drugs, patients who engaged in slamsex showed more severe drug related symptoms (withdrawal and dependence), symptoms of severe intoxication (loss of consciousness), and severe psychopathological symptoms related to SDU, such as paranoid thoughts and suicidal behaviour.ConclusionSlamsex (intravenous SDU) is closely associated with current psychiatric disorders and severe drug-related and psychiatric symptoms.

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Polydrug use is associated with new HIV infections among men who have sex with men in China: a multicenter cross-sectional survey

10.21203/rs.2.10999/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Xiang Mao ◽

Sequoia I. Leuba ◽

Qinghai Hu ◽

Hongjing Yan ◽

Zhe Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hiv Infection ◽

Hiv Infections ◽

Developed Countries ◽

Dose Effect ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Polydrug Use ◽

The Past ◽

Sex With Men ◽

Recent Hiv Infection

Abstract Background Recreational drug use is popular among men who have sex with men (MSM), while there is limited information about polydrug use and its consequent impact on sexual health and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition. Methods MSM were recruited from a multicenter cross-sectional survey conducted in seven Chinese cities. Participants were divided into four subgroups based on the number of recreational drugs (RDs) used in the past 6 months. “Polydrug use” was defined as simultaneous use of ≥2 types of RDs. Information on demographics and HIV high-risk behaviors (HIV-HRBs) was collected, and blood samples were tested for recent HIV infection by the BED capture enzyme immunoassay. Results A total of 4,496 Chinese MSM participated, of which 28.4% used RDs, and 5% were polydrug users. Polydrug users commonly took poppers with one or more types of other RDs (e.g. methamphetamine). Polydrug users were likely to be aged 26–30 years, have low educational attainment, be internal migrants, have a high monthly income, use versatile positions during anal intercourse, and have inadequate knowledge about prevention of HIV infection (P<0.05 for all). As the number of RDs used in the past 6 months increased, the prevalence of HIV-HRBs increased (P<0.05 for all). The odds of recent HIV infection were higher among those who used one type (aOR = 2.2, 95%CI: 1.5–3.0) or two types of RDs (2.3, 1.0–5.2) in the past 6 months compared with those who did not use RDs. The population-attributable fractions of most HIV-HRBs for recent HIV infection were higher among polydrug users compared with those who used only one type of RD or used no RD in the past 6 months. Conclusion The level and pattern of polydrug use among Chinese MSM were different from developed countries. Polydrug use had a dose-effect relationship with HIV-HRBs. Polydrug users who have greater levels of RDs use are more likely to engage in various sexual risks, thus may associated with new HIV infections.

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Drug use and the influence on kissing among men who have sex with men in Melbourne, Australia

International Journal of STD & AIDS ◽

10.1177/0956462419878338 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 31 (1) ◽

pp. 16-21 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Eric PF Chow ◽

Jason J Ong ◽

Lenka A Vodstrcil ◽

Christopher K Fairley

Keyword(s):

Risk Factor ◽

Drug Use ◽

Sexual Health ◽

Health Centre ◽

Sexually Active ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sex With Men

The use of drugs is not uncommon among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM). Kissing has been recently identified as a risk factor for gonorrhoea. This study aimed to examine the proportion of MSM who used drugs and how specific drugs influence the likelihood of kissing. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among MSM attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre between March 2016 and February 2017. Participants reported their use of eleven specific drugs in the last three months and whether they felt the drug influenced them to kiss someone. Four thousand, three hundred and ninety-one MSM were included in the analysis; 63.1% ( n = 2772) used at least one drug in the last three months and 36.6% ( n = 1605) used ≥2 drugs. Poppers (44.8%), marijuana (30.8%) and ecstasy (19.1%) were the three most common drugs used among MSM in the last three months. 80.4% of ecstasy users and 74.3% of gammahydroxybutyrate users reported the drug made them much more likely to kiss someone. The majority of MSM reported that the use of heroin (63.6%) and Viagra/Cialis (60.7%) did not influence their kissing behaviour. Drug use is common among sexually active MSM in Melbourne. Most reported the use of ecstasy would increase their likelihood of kissing someone.

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Recreational drug use and risk of HIV infection among men who have sex with men: A cross-sectional study in Shenzhen, China

Drug and Alcohol Dependence ◽

10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.09.004 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 181 ◽

pp. 30-36 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Chenlin Duan ◽

Lan Wei ◽

Yitian Cai ◽

Lin Chen ◽

Zhengrong Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Drug Use ◽

Hiv Infection ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Recreational Drug ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Recreational Drug Use ◽

Sex With Men

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Polydrug use is associated with new HIV infections among men who have sex with men in China: a multicenter cross-sectional survey

10.21203/rs.2.13247/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Xiang Mao ◽

Sequoia I. Leuba ◽

Qinghai Hu ◽

Hongjing Yan ◽

Zhe Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hiv Infection ◽

Hiv Infections ◽

Developed Countries ◽

Dose Effect ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Polydrug Use ◽

The Past ◽

Sex With Men ◽

Recent Hiv Infection

Abstract Background: Recreational drug use is popular among men who have sex with men (MSM), while there is limited information about polydrug use and its consequent impact on sexual health and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition. Methods: MSM were recruited from a multicenter cross-sectional survey conducted in seven Chinese cities. Participants were divided into four subgroups based on the number of recreational drugs (RDs) used in the past 6 months. “Polydrug use” was defined as simultaneous use of ≥2 types of RDs. Information on demographics and HIV high-risk behaviors (HIV-HRBs) was collected, and blood samples were tested for recent HIV infection by the BED capture enzyme immunoassay. Results: A total of 4,496 Chinese MSM participated, of which 28.4% used RDs, and 5% were polydrug users. Polydrug users commonly took poppers with one or more types of other RDs (e.g. methamphetamine). Polydrug users were likely to be aged 26–30 years, have low educational attainment, be internal migrants, have a high monthly income, use versatile positions during anal intercourse, and have inadequate knowledge about prevention of HIV infection ( P <0.05 for all). As the number of RDs used in the past 6 months increased, the prevalence of HIV-HRBs increased ( P <0.05 for all). The odds of recent HIV infection were higher among those who used one type (aOR = 2.2, 95%CI: 1.5–3.0) or two types of RDs (2.3, 1.0–5.2) in the past 6 months compared with those who did not use RDs. The population-attributable fractions of most HIV-HRBs for recent HIV infection were higher among polydrug users compared with those who used only one type of RD or used no RD in the past 6 months. Conclusion: The level and pattern of polydrug use among Chinese MSM were different from developed countries. Polydrug use had a dose-effect relationship with HIV-HRBs. Polydrug users who have greater levels of RDs use are more likely to engage in various sexual risks, thus may associated with new HIV infections.

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Polydrug use is associated with new HIV infections among men who have sex with men in China: a multicenter cross-sectional survey

10.21203/rs.2.13247/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Xiang Mao ◽

Sequoia I. Leuba ◽

Qinghai Hu ◽

Hongjing Yan ◽

Zhe Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hiv Infection ◽

Hiv Infections ◽

Dose Effect ◽

Limited Information ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Polydrug Use ◽

The Past ◽

Sex With Men ◽

Recent Hiv Infection

Abstract Background: Recreational drug use is popular among men who have sex with men (MSM), while there is limited information about polydrug use and its consequent impact on sexual health and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition. Methods: Mixed methods were used to recruit MSM from seven cities in China between 2012 and 2013. Participants were divided into four subgroups based on the number of recreational drugs (RDs) used in the past 6 months. “Polydrug use” was defined as simultaneous use of ≥2 types of RDs. Information on demographics and HIV high-risk behaviors (HIV-HRBs) was collected, and blood samples were tested for recent HIV infection by the BED capture enzyme immunoassay. Results: A total of 4,496 Chinese MSM participated, of which 28.4% used RDs, and 5% were polydrug users. Polydrug users commonly took poppers with one or more types of other RDs (e.g. methamphetamine). Polydrug users were likely to be aged 26–30 years, have low educational attainment, be internal migrants, have a high monthly income, use versatile positions during anal intercourse, and have inadequate knowledge about prevention of HIV infection. As the number of RDs used in the past 6 months increased, the prevalence of HIV-HRBs increased ( P <0.05 for all). The odds of recent HIV infection were higher among those who used one type (aOR = 2.2, 95%CI: 1.5–3.0) or two types of RDs (2.3, 1.0–5.2) in the past 6 months compared with those who did not use RDs. Conclusion: The level and pattern of polydrug use among Chinese MSM were different from high-income countries. Polydrug use had a dose-effect relationship with HIV-HRBs. Polydrug users who have higher levels of RDs use are more likely to engage in various sexual risks, thus may be associated with new HIV infections.

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Recreational Drug use and Risk of HIV Infection Among Young Men Who Have Sex with men: A Cross-Sectional Study in Tianjin, China

10.21203/rs.3.rs-192111/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Changping Li ◽

Zeyang Yu ◽

Yang Chen ◽

Honglu Zhang ◽

Huijie Huang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Drug Use ◽

Hiv Infection ◽

Drug Users ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Recreational Drug ◽

Recreational Drugs ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Recreational Drug Use ◽

Sex With Men

Abstract Background- Recreational drug use among young men who have sex with men (YMSM) was a public health issue of worldwide concern. Evidence had shown the relevance between recreational drug use and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. This study aimed to investigate the current prevalence state of recreational drug use among YMSM in Tianjin, discern the characteristics of YMSM who used recreational drugs or not and examine the interaction effect of recreational drug use and unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) on HIV infection.Methods- In 2018, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Tianjin, China. The snowball sampling method was used to recruit YMSM. Participants were recruited from gay bars, gay bathhouses, social network sites (WeChat, QQ, gay chat website), gay apps and peer referrals. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data.Results- A total of 1075 YMSM met the eligibility criteria and were included in the study eventually. The overall HIV prevalence was 4.3% (46/1075). Of all the recreational drugs involved in this study (rush poppers, methamphetamine, capsule No.0), rush poppers (406/517,78.5%) were the most popular among YMSM in Tianjin. Compared with non-drug users, drug users were more likely to have first sex earlier, be bisexual, be male sex worker (MSW), have a higher education level, seek sex partners through physical venues, engage in UAI, have sexually transmitted infection (STI), and receive HIV testing. Moreover, recreational drug use and UAI were associated with the increased risk of HIV infection [adjusted OR:3.6 (95%CI: 1.7-7.6) and 4.9 (95%CI: 2.2-10.4), respectively]. There was additive interaction of recreational drug use and UAI on HIV infection [relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI): 6.949 (95%CI: 0.011‐13.887); attributable proportion due to interaction (AP): 0.809 (95%CI: 0.578‐1.039)].Conclusions- Recreational drug use was common and correlated with HIV infection among YMSM in Tianjin. There was an urgent need to build novel targeted HIV prevention strategies to discern and reduce recreational drug use among YMSM in China.

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