Abstract:
[Objective] To explore homosexual self-identification among men who have sex with men (MSM), and study its correlation with the risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
[Methods] Altogether 151 MSM were recruited by snowball and network sampling methods. Face-to-face interview was conducted to collect information about self-identification, sexual behaviors, sexual networks, drug-abuse history and health-related behaviors with uniform questionnaires.
[Results] Negative self-identification accounted for 85 (56.29%). Education level was positively correlated with the proportion of positive self-identification (χ2=8.022, P < 0.05). The proportion of positive self-identification was significantly higher in those self-identified as homosexual than in those self-identified as heterosexual (χ2=5.108, P < 0.05). There were significant differences in the age at first sexual intercourse with male, the possibility of marrying a female, HIV test, and having heterosexual partners/boyfriend/occasional partner over past 6 months between different self-identification groups (P < 0.05). A higher proportion of first sexual intercourse with male was found in the MSM with positive self-identification who were less than 20 years, less likely to marry a female, more likely to accept HIV testing, had boyfriend and less heterosexual partners and occasional partners.
[Conclusion] MSM have a high proportion of negative self-identification. Unprotected intercourses and multiple sexual partners are common, but HIV antibody testing is rare among them, which lead to a high risk of HIV infection and a more influencing bridge role of HIV transmission. Extensive anti-discrimination propaganda and increased services for AIDS prevention will help to promote the positive selfidentification among MSM and reduce the risk of AIDS transmission.
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