Homoprejudiced violence among Chinese men who have sex with men: A cross-sectional analysis in Guangzhou, China
Abstract Background Homoprejudiced violence, defined as physical, verbal, psychological and cyber aggression against others because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation, is an important public health issue. Most homoprejudiced violence research has been conducted in high-income countries. This study aimed to examine the experience and perpetration of homoprejudiced violence among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Guangzhou, China.Methods MSM in a large Chinese city, Guangzhou, completed an online survey instrument that was distributed through community-based organizations. Descriptive analysis was conducted to describe the sample characteristics. Multivariable logistic regression analyses, controlling for age, residence, occupation, marriage, education and income, were carried out to explore associated factors.Results A total of 777 men completed the survey and most (64.9%) were under the age of 30. Three-hundred-ninety-nine (51.4%) reported experiencing homoprejudiced violence, while 205 (25.9%) reported initiating homoprejudiced violence against others. Compared to respondents who self-identified as gay, respondents who were heterosexual were 0.6 times (AOR=0.6, 95% CI: 0.4-0.9) as likely to have experienced homoprejudiced violence, whereas those who were unsure about their sexual orientation were 2.6 times (AOR=2.6, 95% CI: 1.2-5.5) more likely to have experienced homoprejudiced violence before. Furthermore, a strong association (AOR=2,4. 95% CI: 1.6-3.5) was identified between experiencing homoprejudiced violence and initiating violence. MSM who had disclosed their sexual orientation to people other than their partners were more likely to have experienced homoprejudiced violence (AOR=1.8, 95% CI:1.3-2.5).Conclusions These findings suggest the importance of anti-homoprejudiced violence interventions focused on decreasing violence against MSM. Further research and actions are needed.