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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