[Evaluation of effects of comprehensive intervention based on key persons on AIDS-related high-risk behaviors in male sex workers in entertainment venues].

Objective: To evaluate the effect of comprehensive intervention model based on key persons in entertainment venues on the incidence of AIDS-related high-risk behaviors in male sex workers (MSW). Data from this study thus can be used to provide compelling evidence for the wider implementation of the intervention model. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, MSW were recruited and followed-up from May to December, 2021 in entertainment venues in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, with an estimated sample size of 320. The MSW in the intervention group were provided with comprehensive interventions via key persons in entertainment venues compared with the control group receiving routine interventions. The effect of the intervention model was assessed by comparing the behavioral differences between these two groups and in the intervention group before and after intervention. Results: A total of 330 MSW were recruited at baseline survey, in which 168 were divided into intervention group and 162 into control group. There was no significant difference in socio-demographic characteristics between two groups (all P>0.05). After intervention for 6 months, the rate of consistent condom use in commercial homosexual activities in the intervention group was 79.5% (101/127), higher than 63.2% (74/117) in the control group, and in the intervention group, 90.1% (73/81) of MSW used condom consistently in heterosexual activities, higher than in the control group (59.6%, 59/99) . Compared with 30.8% (36/117) of MSW with drug abuse history in the control group, a lower proportion of 9.4% (12/127) was observed in the intervention group. Differences in all of aforementioned variables were significant (all P<0.05). After intervention, the incidence of group sex was 3.9% (5/127) in the intervention group and 9.4% (11/117) in the control group, the incidence of anal sex post-alcohol consumption was 40.2% (51/127) in the intervention group and 32.5% (38/117) in control group, the differences were not significant (all P>0.05). Conclusions: The intervention model based on key persons in entertainment venues could promote consistent condom use in MSW in both commercial homosexual and heterosexual activities and help them reduce drug abuse, but had no significant effect on decreasing group sex and anal sex after alcohol consumption. It is crucial to improve the intervention model according to the specific characteristics of MSW in order to enhance the effects of comprehensive intervention.

[Study on synthetic drug use and associated factors among men who have sex with men at high risk of HIV infection].

Objective: To understand the current status of synthetic drug use and associated factors among men who have sex with men (MSM) at high risk of HIV infection. Methods: A cross- sectional study was conducted in Guangzhou, Wuxi and Shenzhen through January to August 2017. MSM at high risk of HIV infection were recruited from attendants at the health clinics, through internet advertisement and snowball sampling method. Eligible MSM were the ones who had met the following criteria: ≥18 years old, having either 2 male sex partners, or condomless anal sex with a casual male sex partner, or a STD historg during the past 6 months. Data regarding demographic, sexual behavior, HIV/STD testing history and previous drug use were collected by sely-administered questionnaires. Blood was also drawn for HIV testing. Results: Of the 603 MSM at high risk of HIV, 25.5% (154/603, 95%CI: 22.0%-29.0%) of them had used drugs in the past 6 months, including 29.1% (88/302, 95%CI: 24.0%-34.3%) in Guangzhou, 26.3% (40/152, 95%CI: 19.2%-33.4%) in Shenzhen, and 17.4% (26/149, 95%CI: 11.3%-23.6%) in Wuxi. 'Rush' (85.1%, 131/154) was the most commonly used drug. Results from the multivariable logistic regression revealed that drug use was associated with the following factors: having multiple casual sexual partners (aOR=3.24, 95%CI: 1.29-7.43) and alcohol use (aOR=1.78, 95%CI: 1.12-2.80) in the past 6 months after adjusting for age, education and monthly income. Conclusions: Drug use seemed common among MSM population at high risk of HIV infection and was associated with higher risk behavior that leading to HIV infection. Synthetic drug use among MSM deserved more attention.

[Analysis on voluntary blood donation and associated factors in men who have sex with men in 3 cities in China].

Objective: To assess the prevalence of blood donation and associated factors in men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. Methods: Our observational study was conducted between January and August, 2017 in 3 cities: Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Wuxi. Eligible participants were MSM (≥18 years old) who had either ≥2 male sex partners or unprotected anal sex with casual partners, or had been diagnosed with STI in the past 6 months. A self-completed tablet-based questionnaire was used to collect the information about MSM's socio-demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors and blood donation history. Results: A total of 603 MSM were enrolled in our study, including 302 in Guangzhou, 152 in Shenzhen and 149 in Wuxi, with a mean age of 27.9 years (SD=7.8). Overall, 29.2% (176/603) of the MSM reported a history of blood donation, and 33.1% (100/302)in Guangzhou, 27.6% (42/152) in Shenzhen and 22.8% (34/149) in Wuxi, the differences were not significant (χ(2)=6.421, P=0.093). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that MSM had ever tested for HIV for ≥2 times in the past 12 months (vs. MSM tested for HIV one time, aOR=1.49, 95%CI: 1.08-2.19) or who had ever used gay dating app (vs. MSM who not used gay dating app, aOR=2.13, 95%CI: 1.12-4.44) were more likely to donate blood. Conclusions: Blood donation was common in MSM in China. Health education about blood donation in MSM should be strengthened to ensure the blood safety.