Nitrite Inhalant Use and HIV Infection Among Chinese Men Who Have Sex With Men in 2 Large Cities in China.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine the role that nitrite inhalants play in HIV infection and risky sex behaviors among Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS: The study consisted of a baseline and a follow-up survey conducted in Beijing and Nanning, China. The baseline study recruited participants through online advertisements and peer referral to complete a questionnaire interview, oral rapid HIV test, and blood HIV and syphilis tests. The follow-up included a questionnaire interview, and optional oral and/or blood HIV testing. Questionnaires collected information about sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate associations between characteristics and nitrite inhalant use. RESULTS: One-third (29.8%) of 510 participants at baseline reported nitrite inhalant use during male-male sex in the past 6 months. Nitrite inhalant use was associated with higher odds of HIV infection (odds ratio 2.0, 95% confidence interval 1.1-3.7). Factors associated with nitrite inhalant use were as follows: never married, currently living in Beijing, not willing to test for HIV with oral self-test kit, and seeking male sex partners via the internet. In follow-up, 270 of 317 responded MSM reported having male-male sex after baseline and 17% of them used nitrite inhalants during sex. CONCLUSIONS: MSM who use nitrite inhalants are more likely to engage in risky HIV behaviors and have higher HIV infection risk than those who do not. Identifying MSM who use nitrite inhalants for targeted HIV interventions, such as HIV testing, might make HIV-prevention efforts more efficient among this population.

Sex and Age Differences in Mortality in Southern China, 2004-2010.

The purpose of this study was to describe the mortality patterns in the southern provinces of China, and to provide epidemiologic data on sex and age differences of death outcomes. Reliable mortality and population data from January 2004 to December 2010 were obtained from 12 Disease Surveillance Point (DSP) sites in four provinces of China. Death data from all causes and respiratory disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia and influenza, circulatory disease, and ischemic heart disease, were stratified by year, month of death occurrence and sex, seven age groups, and summarized by descriptive statistics. The mean annual mortality rates of the selected 12 DSP sites in the southernmost provinces of China were 543.9 (range: 423.9-593.6) deaths per 100,000 population. The death rates show that noted sex differences were higher in the male population for all-cause, COPD and circulatory diseases. Pneumonia and influenza death rates present a different sex- and age-related distribution, with higher rates in male aged 65-74 years; whereas the death rates were opposite in elderly aged ≥75 years, and relatively higher in young children. This study had practical implications for recommending target groups for public health interventions.

[Acceptability and influencing factors of pre-exposure prophylaxis among men who have sex with men in Guangxi].

OBJECTIVE: To study the acceptability of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent the transmission of HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Guangxi, China. METHODS: Snow-balling methods were used to recruit 650 MSM in Guangxi. Questionnaires and interview were administrated to these 650 men, using a self-designed questionnaire and face to face interviews to collect information on HIV-related risk behaviors, knowledge and acceptability of PrEP. RESULTS: After an introduction on PrEP by interviewers, followed by as the statement-'If PrEP was effective, safe and free of charge', 597 (91.9%) of the 650 MSM claimed that they would accept it, with the main reason as the recognition of 'PrEP can decrease the risk of HIV infection'. For those who refused to use it, most of them said that were afraid of the side-effect and doubted on the effectiveness of PrEP. Data from logistic regression analysis showed that those who had found partners through friends (OR = 6.21, P = 0.020) and those who would advise his friend to use PrEP (OR = 39.32, P = 0.000) were more likely to accept PrEP. Those who thought they could protect themselves from HIV infection (OR = 0.32, P = 0.010) or not having sex with the ones who refused to use a condom (OR = 0.34, P = 0.010) were less likely to accept PrEP. CONCLUSION: Effectiveness, safety and cost seemed to be the main influential factors related to the acceptability of PrEP. Peer education might improve the acceptability of PrEP.

[A case-control study on risk factors of drowning among children aged between 1 and 14 in rural areas of Guangxi].

OBJECTIVE: To find out the risk factors of drowning among children aged 1 and 14 in rural areas and to provide evidence for prevention and to reduce such incidents. METHODS: 20 towns being selected as a cluster sampling study and screened out 133 drowning children aged 1-14 from Jan. 1, 2002 to Dec. 31, 2004 were screened. 1:2 matched case-control method was conducted. Data was analyzed with conditional univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Results showed that falling into water took the leading type of drowning among children from the rural areas. The component of drowning displayed that boys was higher than girls. The majority occurred. during the warmer months, in summer and autumn. The places where drowning occurred was mainly at incidence site. Results from single and multiple factors analysis identified four major risk factors as: alcoholic drinking of his/her mother, lack of emergency treatment in the village, the child care-taker did not know what to do when drowning was occurring, the child usually played beside the water site. Factors preventing from drowning were: swimming training, the child caretaker keeping an eye on the child when he/she was swimming, the health condition of the caretaker and the communication with the parents. CONCLUSION: The risk factors of drowning among children aged 1-14 in rural areas were caused by multiple factors. Prevention and control program on drowning should be focusing on supervision, safety water, safety education and teaching swimming.