Objective To assess sexual behaviors among men who have sex with men (MSM) with their intimate friends and social contacts and their awareness of HIV infection risk in Pudong New Area.
Methods From June to December 2010, a crosssectional survey was conducted among 158 eligible MSM to collect information on demographic characteristics, living condition, social networks and sexual behaviors, etc.
Results A total of 158 MSM were recruited and interviewed by a structured questionnaire, with the mean age of (30.7& #177;6.9) years old, and 82.3% of the participants were self-identified as homosexual. The mean age of first sexual behavior with men were (22.3& #177;4.9) years old. Each MSM had an average of 2.2 intimate friends, and 83.4% of the intimate friends and 76.9% of the social contacts were homosexual. The prevalence of sex with intimate friends and social contacts were 37.2%. In the past six months, 57.9% MSM used condoms every time. In addition, 41.8% interviewees believed that they would not be infected with HIV, 35.5% HIV carriers disagreed with the statement that many gay will be infected with and will die of it.
Conclusion It is common that MSM in Pudong New Area have sexual behaviors with their intimate friends and social contacts, their condom using rate is low, and they don't consider they are at the risk of HIV infection. Interventions should be developed to prevent HIV transmission among this group.
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