Correlates of consistent condom use among young migrant men who have sex with men (MSM) in Beijing, China
Liu, Y.; Li, X.; Zhang, L.; Li, S.; Jiang, S.; Stanton, B.
European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care the Official Journal of the European Society of Contraception 17(3): 219-228
2012
ISSN/ISBN: 1473-0782 PMID: 22559259 DOI: 10.3109/13625187.2012.662544Document Number: 537655
The prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, among men who have sex with men (MSM) has risen in China, mainly due to unprotected sexual intercourse. Migrant MSM might be more vulnerable to the risk of STIs/HIV because of their low socioeconomic status. This study aims at exploring the correlates of consistent condom use among young migrant MSM (aged 18-29 years) in Beijing. Multivariate logistic regression analysis. The mean age of the sample was 23.7 years. Rural-to-urban migrant MSM accounted for 46% of the sample, and urban-to-urban migrant MSM for 54%. Of 307 migrant MSM, 178 (54%) reported having used a condom every time in the last three sexual episodes with both stable and casual sexual partners. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that MSM who had a low monthly income, had often experienced alcohol intoxication, did not use a condom at first sex, and had fewer lifetime male sexual partners were less likely to use condoms consistently. Consistent condom use among young migrant MSM was relatively low and was associated with socioeconomic status and alcohol use. Future STIs/HIV prevention programmes should strengthen empowerment, access to condoms, and reduction of alcohol consumption within this socio-economically marginalised group.